Neck rot (Botrytis bulb rot)—Botrytis spp.
Neck rot appears on bulbs near the time of harvest. A grayish mold may be seen between the scales and
black spores on the neck of bulbs. Bulbs may appear discolored and water soaked. Infection occurs through
the neck tissue or through wounds in bulbs.
SolutionsBotrytis overwinters in the soil or in old plant debris and bulbs left in the garden and infects
primarily bulbs that have not been harvested properly. Remove and destroy all plant debris at harvest.
Be careful not to leave any bulbs in the soil. Allow plants to mature fully before harvesting and make
sure the tops of plants are dried out. Lift or undercut mature plants. Avoid injury to plants and store
bulbs in a dry area. No fungicides are recommended for neck rot. Plant with certified seed sets if available.
Some resistant varieties may be available. Where neck rot has been a problem in the past, rotate out of
garlic and onions.
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