Lodging — Onion

Foliage lodging is a key stage of ontogenesis that signals the completion of physiological bulb maturation. During this period, active uptake of water and nutrients ceases, and stored photosynthates translocate from the leaves to the bulb, which can increase yield by up to 20%. This process ensures the formation of dry outer scales and neck desiccation, which is critical for the subsequent storage quality of the produce.

When assessing crop condition, it is important to distinguish natural maturation from premature lodging caused by meteorological factors, pests, or pathogens, such as downy mildew. In cases of premature lodging, the neck remains succulent and thick, rendering the bulbs susceptible to neck rot. A reliable indicator of harvest readiness is the combination of mass lodging with a mandatory check of the neck for softness and thinning.