hollow onions

[george]

Hi all

Can anyone help; about three weeks ago I harvested my onions which were grown from sets .75 Kg (Struron)planted late April. About 5% had dodgy looking tops although the onion by no means the biggest were sort of OK until I went to lift them. There had a very poor root structure and almost just came away in my hand. Most were sort of hollow in the middle with an unpleasant smell. No sign of mould. Is this the effect of onion root fly, wet season or what. I try to rotate as best as I can on a small plot 75 x 30 foot. To stop growing onions for a year or so would be a real disaster

Any thoughts gratefully received

Read the magazine since issue 1 but first time of posting; what is Poll question all about

regards George

[Jenny Green]

Hi George

Welcome to the board.
I'm afraid I can't answer your question about your onions but just wanted to let you know that when you start a new thread you're given the option of having a poll on any question you wish to ask. For example, you might say "Organics is a load of old baloney. Do you agree? Vote yes or no".
Most people just post queries, so don't use the poll option.

[Johnboy]

Hi George, and welcome.
I suspect you are correct in your thoughts that Onion Fly is the culprit. Onion Fly is quite difficult to get rid off a plot. My suggestions for next year is to protect them with Agrimesh for the entire season and do the same for the next few seasons to come.
JB.

[Geoff]

If there is also a milky liquid I think you have white rot. Regrettably also difficult to get rid of as I think it lives in the soil for about 7 years.

[george]

Oh well could be worse; because I am not keen on spraying I already cover cabbages etc against caterpillars and carrots against root fly; I will take your advice and do the same to my onions I use enviromesh which sounds like agrimesh I suspect

Lets hope my plot doesn't now get confused with the polytunnels around my part of the world and I have to apply for planning permission. If it isn't fly then sounds like I could be in trouble.

Thanks for the reply
regards George

[quote="Johnboy"]Hi George, and welcome.
I suspect you are correct in your thoughts that Onion Fly is the culprit. Onion Fly is quite difficult to get rid off a plot. My suggestions for next year is to protect them with Agrimesh for the entire season and do the same for the next few seasons to come.
JB.[/quote]