Diseases of Major Bulbous Vegetable Crops and Their Management

Onion and garlic are the major bulbous vegetable crops grown throughout the world. They are commercially used in the form of spice, vegetable or medicine. India ranks second in world production of both onion and garlic. These are mostly grown in states of Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Gujrat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka. These bulbous crops are attacked by various pests and diseases at different growth stages causing considerable losses in yield, besides reducing the export potential. The continuous use of chemicals and pesticides pose severe threats to both environment and mankind, besides enhancing insect resistance to chemicals. It also disturbs microbial diversity which is an essential part of an ecosystem. This has created a new dimension in research for biological control and integrated approach for insect pest and disease control. Essential diseases and pests affecting major bulbous vegetable crops and their management are summarised in this manuscript.