There is much concern about the onion crop this year because of the spot virus that has affected much of the crop. First, this virus has been around for about 10 to 15 years. It exists every year but is more sever during a hot summer. Hot temperatures such as we had this summer make the problem worse. The virus is spread by thrip which are present every year and start to move from green plant to green plant once the hay crop is harvested. Hot weather also speeds up the breeding time from 10 days or so to 7 or less. We have this thrip issue every year but this year was worse because of the heat.
We also have an issue with brown leaf in the center of the onion. While this occurs every year it can be increased by hot weather and the virus as well. It doesn’t affect every onions but it will be in more than ususal this year. According to USDA it is not a scoreable condition unless it breaks down and decays.