Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What's wrong with my plant? > Vegetable > Onion > Holes or cracks in bulb
Onion> Bulb > Holes or cracks in bulb
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Onion maggot
Delia antiqua
- Holes in onion bulbs are present
- Onions yellow and wilt, sometimes rapidly
- Maggots may be present; they are carrot-shaped, legless, and cream colored
- More information on Onion Maggot
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Wireworms
Agriotus spp., Melanotus spp.
- Tunneling and holes in roots
- Leaves show no damage
- Larvae are thin, shiny, jointed, yellow to reddish-brown color, and approximately ¼ - 1 ½ inch long
- More common in gardens that were previously in grass or sod
- Larvae can be found throughout the growing season
- More information on Wireworms
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Stem and bulb nematode
Ditylenchus dipsaci
- Outer layer of bulb is split or has cracks
- In severe infestations, plant may wilt and die
- Leaves are twisted and stunted
- Bulbs are often desiccated and light weight, secondary rot organisms like soft rot may invade and rot the bulb
- More information on Stem and Bulb Nematode
