Completed project
Epidemiology and management of fusarium basal rot in onions (VN20006)
Publication date: July 31, 2025
Delivery Partner: The University of Adelaide
The project developed an integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) approach, focusing on disease diagnostics, control measures, and predictive tools.
Challenges
Fusarium basal rot has emerged as a major concern in onion production areas, particularly in South Australia, causing bulb infections in the field and storage losses exceeding 30 per cent in some crops. Short crop rotations, high soil inoculum levels, and suboptimal soil moisture conditions exacerbate the disease, while latent infections often remain undetected until after harvest. The pathogen’s ability to infect a wide range of crops and weeds further complicates control efforts, while nitrogen and salinity management challenges increase disease susceptibility. Effective disease management requires innovative strategies, diagnostic precision, and improved understanding of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (Foc) behaviour.
Response
The project developed a new diagnostic tool, enhancing understanding of the pathogen, and evaluating various control methods, including chemical and biological options.
A review of existing literature provided a foundation for identifying factors conducive to infection and guiding management strategies. Field trials were conducted to assess the efficacy of treatments, with a focus on early intervention and integrated pest management practices.
The insights were consolidated into a grower-friendly guide, offering evidence-based strategies to minimise disease risk and improve productivity in onion production systems.
Benefit
This initiative equips the Australian onion industry with tools and knowledge to combat fusarium basal rot, reducing storage losses and enhancing yield quality. Improved diagnostic capabilities enable early detection, mitigating latent infections that could otherwise go unnoticed. By refining disease management practices, the project fosters sustainable production, protecting growers' investments and maintaining supply chain integrity.
The adoption of innovative control strategies and optimised resource management ensures long-term industry resilience, while the practical guide empowers growers and agronomists with actionable insights to safeguard onion crops and support the industry’s profitability.
Read the Onion Fusarium Basal Rot guide June 2022 edition here.
This project was a strategic levy investment in the Hort Innovation Onion Fund
© 2026 Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited.
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