A quick reminder from the folks at Crookham Company in Caldwell, ID, that the annual Reveal will be held Tuesday, Aug. 23, in Wilder.
The event runs from 9-11:30 at the site north of Wilder on Fargo Rd between Red Top and Fern roads.
According to Lyndon Johnson of Crookham, “There are lots of activities at Crookham Company this time of year. We are in the middle of seed harvest here in the Treasure Valley for our long-day onion needs.”
Lyndon provided a field of seed Crookham is harvesting mechanically near Kuna, and he said Crookham is excited to once again hold its annual Onion Reveal, with 2022 marking “the first full season of our latest two commercial introductions, Defender and Epic.”
He said, “These varieties are just beginning to have an impact on the Western U.S., and we are looking forward to growers putting these into their regular programs. With the addition of these two varieties, our long day yellow package accommodates all maturities from 105-125 day.”
Lyndon said the long day yellow package varieties are the Scorpion 105, Trident 110, Epic 115, Caldwell 118, Defender 120, and Caliber 125, and he provided descriptions of the Epic and Defender.
Epic: 115 day yellow onion for all irrigation methods but especially overhead. Very highly single-centered. It boasts a strong root system that is resistant to both Pink Root and Fusarium. Epic has a trim neck with upright foliage, the finished bulb has a rich bronze-colored scale that is appealing for retail use. It can store long term, 6-8 months.
Defender: 120-day yellow. Another versatile onion for use in either processing or retail markets. It is vigorous and very highly single-centered. It has a great disease package with high resistance to Pink Root and Fusarium. Large size jumbo to colossal bulbs that have a rich dark color. Very long-term storage capability, 6-8 months.
Lyndon noted “This year’s Reveal is a bit different as we have included some of our pre-commercial candidates in the trial as well. These have made it through our short row trials and are now in small productions to acquire enough seed to expand our adaptability trials to having enough seed to have growers plant them with their own productions for comparison on their own farm. Over the next few seasons, Crookham and our dealer partners will evaluate these varieties on varying conditions across the U.S. This data will be invaluable to help growers to adjust their growing technique and input usage.”
For more information, contact Lyndon Johnson at Crookham Company, (208)369-3390.
