The effects of plant density and fungicide application on the severity of foliar diseases and onion yield ('Bola Precoce') were studied in 2010 and 2011, in Ponta Grossa, Paraná state, Brazil. The experiments were carried out in the field in randomized block design in a split plot. A fungicide (metiram + pyraclostrobin, 2.5 kg/ha of c.p.) was either applied or not applied to the plotsat 89, 100 and 110 days after seedling transplantation (DAT). The subplots consisted of the following plant densities: 12 plants/m, 14 plants/m, 16 plants/m, 18 plants/m, 20 plants/m, and 22 plants/m. The severity of downy mildew (Peronospora destructor) and purple blotch (Alternaria porri) were assessed at 90, 97, 104, and 111 DAT. Harvesting of bulbs was performed at 180 DAT. No relationships were observed between plant density and fungicide use and the severity and area under the disease progress curve for mildew and purple blotch. In addition, no significant differences among disease severities and plant densities, regardless of fungicide application or the average mass and diameter of the bulbs. In 2011, a linear increase in Class 1 bulbs with increasing plant density was observed, demonstrating that denser planting leads to smaller bulbs.
Allium cepa; Alternaria porri; Peronospora destructor; downy mildew; purple blotch; plant population.
