[dougsta]

Worst affected are the shallots - Eschalotte Grise - looks like I'm going to lose the lot. Bulbs not developing, foliage dying, roots covered in white fungus - fairly sure it's Onion White Rot
Spreading to onions and garlic
Is it me or anyone else got it?
Have I done anything wrong?
Help!

[celjaci]

That's tough luck, you didn't do anything wrong - the spores were lurking in the soil         ( rather like clubroot ) just waiting for the right meal to come along.

The spores last for years and sadly theres little you can do about it except try another area of the plot next year.

Any infected material should not be composted

[dougsta]

Shame the spores were there - I understand 8 years before I can plant alliums in that bed again.
Weird thing is - no crops have been grown there for at least 8 years - the plot was divided in half last year and my 'shareholder' says that she hadn't cultivated the bit I'm on for 8 or 9 years.
As you say, just unlucky I suppose

 

[celjaci]

sorry to bring bad news but spores can last up to 15 years!

Don't know how deep onion roots grow but you might be able to make a raised bed just for alliums and fill with imported soil and compost

[realfood]

You do not say if you are growing from seed or sets. Sets can carry the fungus into your plot.

[dougsta]

Sets for the onions and shallots, garlic from a seed clove all bought from a reputable supplier.
I have some onions in there from seed but if the spores are there.......