[Rexmundi]

Anyone know what may have happened to my onions?
The foliage died and the bulbs appear to be covered in grey spores while some of them have divided.
I dried them out but they're soft and inedible.
Please see the images attached.
I would be grateful for any advice on; identification of the problem, what I could have done to prevent it, and whether I can put the crop on the compost heap?
Thanks in advance.

[Aunt Sally]

That looks nasty. 

It doesn't look like white rot to me but I  could be wrong.

[mumofstig]

Not white rot, or basal rot, as these start from the roots.

After comparing with Google images of onion rots, it looks as if it may be this one.........

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=747

Don't put them in your compost heap, that would spread the spores, whatever it is

[Aunt Sally]

I think you're right, Mum

[Rexmundi]

Thanks, that's interesting info from RHS. The mould didn't appear during storage but while growing, these pics were taken just after lifting them and there are no 'black resting bodies'.

These will go in the incinerator.

[sunshineband]

It may be that your onions have a really bad attack of mildew. I had this on mine last year and they looked similar.

Incineration sounds a good plan whatever it is.

Next year keep a careful eye and cut off anything that looks like it is starting up again, make sure there is good air circulation around your plants and give them a dose of sulphate of potash to strengthen them up to resist attack.

[Aunt Sally]

...and be careful when hoeing around them.  Accidental nicks can let in diseases.

[sunshineband]

...and be careful when hoeing around them.  Accidental nicks can let in diseases.

Yes that is true ..

Makes you wonder how mostly we just bung in the sets and dig up the onions a few months later doesn't it?