Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Major Diseases of Onion and Leek in India

Abstract

Onion and Leek are the most important commercial crops grown all over the world and consumed in various forms. In India, onion and leek have been under cultivation for the last 5000 years. It is generally used as vegetables, spices, or as medicines. India ranks second to China in area and production in both onion and garlic, but ranks 102nd for onion and 74th for garlic in terms of productivity. These crops are generally grown throughout the country especially in the states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The onion and garlic crop is attacked by many diseases at different crop growth stages which causes considerable losses in yield. Apart from reduction in crop yield, the disease also poses harmful effects during harvesting, postharvesting, processing, and marketing stages, which lower the quality and export potential of the crops that significantly causes the economic loss. Hence, the major diseases of onion and leek are discussed in this chapter.