Cassie Anderson and our friends at the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension have the wheels in motion for this year’s seed trials, with a deadline of Feb. 24 for seed submittal.
Cassey, Master Gardener Coordinator who works with Dr. Thaddeus Gourd, Extension Director, and Eric Hammond, Horticulture Agent, on the annual trials, wrote last week that 2019 “was one for the books” and 2020’s trials are just around the corner. The Feb. 24 deadline, she said, allows trial planting to take place at the same time as surrounding fields.
She added, “We do much prefer coated seed as it is easier for us to plant and get the most accurate data. If you must send raw seed please note the different price.”
The cost of the 2020 variety trials will be $200 per coated seed variety for two locations, and raw seed variety cost for the 2020 trials will be $300 per seed variety for two locations
For trials, participants are asked to send at least 8 oz. of coated seed no later than Feb. 24, and Cassey said, “If you are unable to provide coated seed, a special effort will be made to thin these raw seed plots to compare with the coated varieties.” Again, she stressed, it is imperative the seed is received by the deadline.
In addition, a brief description of “any variety that has not been in the trials previously” is requested. Cassey added, “Also provide the color and storage capability such as: Long term, Intermediate, or Short Term for each variety.”
Seed should be sent to Cassey Anderson, CSU Cooperative Extension, 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601-8114. Checks should be made payable to Adams County Extension. If there are problems getting the seed submitted by the deadline, contact Cassey at 303-637-8103 or email her at cmanderson@adcogov.org. And you can contact Dr. Gourd at 303-637-8117 and visit the website www.adamscountyextension.org for 2019 onion variety trial results.
