Onion farmers in Kiambu have been advised to seek agriculturists’ attention over the outbreak of Stemphylium Leaf Blight onion disease.
Speaking at Wandui farm on Wednesday, Jonathan Mugo, an agriculturist officer in Gatundu North Sub County noted that the disease is caused by heavy rains and needed serious attention before destroying the crop.
“The rains are to blame for the disease here at Wandui Farm. The disease is usually caused by heavy rains mixed with morning dew which regulates flow of nutrients to the leaflet of the onion crop,” he said.
Mugo warned that the crops can wither a month after discovery of the disease if not examined immediately. He advised farmers to consider applying benzothiadiazole (Bion®) and di-potassium phosphate salt (K2HPO4) to their onion plantations for quick treatment.
The agriculturist highlighted that the onion crops affected by the disease and which have received treatment can only be used for consumption after two weeks to allow the deepening of the treatment applied.
“Consumers cannot use the onion which have been treated before the end of two weeks. This can cause intestinal problem,” he revealed.
Mugo noted that the whole sub county onion farmers might have been affected and urged them to apply treatment as early as they discover the disease to avert loss of their yields.