Translucent Scale

Translucent scale typically appears after harvest and worsens after 3-4 months of bulb storage. The onion scales take on a grayish watery texture making them appear translucent. All scales can be affected, however, typically only the second and third fleshy scales exhibit symptoms. These symptoms are similar to freezing injury and can be distinguished from it only when it is known the bulbs were not subjected to cold temperatures. Also, frost damage occurs from the outside in, and opaque white tissues are often produced within frost damaged scales.

Exposure to high relative humidity and high temperatures [32°C (90°F)] during the last several days of field curing onions can cause an increase in the incidence of this disorder. In addition, a delay of 2-4 weeks between field curing and cold storage of onions at 0°C (32°F) may also increase the incidence of this disorder.

Onion bulbs should be cured properly and stored at the appropriate temperature [0°C (32°F)] and relative humidity.