Onion trials are being staged across the country this month, with new twists added at some of the venues.
In Colorado, Dr. Thaddeus Gourd, Extension Director and Agent (Agriculture), Eric Hammond, Agent (Horticulture) and Cassey Anderson, Master Gardener Coordinator (Horticulture) will take part in the Onion Variety trial series at Sakata Farm in Brighton Aug. 27 to 31.
“I know the end of the growing season is a busy time for many of us so this year instead of our traditional onion field day, I would like to offer onion producers and onion seed company representatives the opportunity to book a personal field tour of the Northern Colorado Onion Variety trial from August 27 to 31,” Dr. Gourd said, noting he has blocked out the entire week for the trial.
He added, “This year we only had one trial site. This site hosted by Sakata Farms is located north of Brighton at the Howard Farm Location. In general, weather conditions were favorable for growing onions. The field trial looks fantastic this year with some differences in thrips preference and heat stress being observed. It is our hope that this research provides onion producers and onion seed representatives in Colorado with information to make educated decisions on variety selection based on environmental and pest conditions experienced here in Northern Colorado.”
If you’re interested in attending, book your reservation by calling 303-637-8117 or emailing tgourd@adcogov.org.
Twenty varieties will be showcased at the Crookham Co. long day onion trial in Wilder, ID, on Aug. 27, and according to Dave Whitwood, Crookham’s long day onion breeder, all the varieties are in production and will be introduced for the 2019 season.
The company’s website, www.crookham.com, notes, “This next generation of Crookham onions showcases better disease resistance and higher thrip tolerance to produce better bulbs and yield.”
For more information, contact Aaron Trent at (208)-954-7141 or call the Crookham Co. office at (208)-459-7451.
In Ontario, the Malheur Experiment Station will have its Onion Variety Day on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Ontario. Stuart Reitz in the Oregon State University Department of Crop and Soil Science at Malheur County Extension told us, “We’ll also have special side discussions on onion defect responses to heat, precision irrigation and fertigation starting at 11 a.m.”
Lunch and refreshments will be served at noon in the barn, and those wanting to attend are asked to RSVP to Jan Jones at 541-889-2174 or janet.jones@oregonstate.edu. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INVITE
Two field days are being held on Aug. 30. In Prosser, WA, Hartley’s Produce is hosting the 9 a.m.-1 p.m. event, and according to Tim Waters, WSU Benton-Franklin Extension, “This year’s trial includes 54 onion cultivars and lines from eight different seed companies to compare and contrast under local growing conditions. The Field day will begin with a short overview of the crop. Participants will then have an opportunity to examine the trial entries. WSU Onion Researchers will be on hand to discuss their research with those interested. A BBQ Luncheon will be held in a facility just a couple of miles from the trial.” For more info, contact Tim at 509-545-3511 or Carrie Wohleb, WSU Grant-Adams Extension, at 509-754-2011 ext. 4313. CLICK HERE TO VIEW INVITE
A “Twilight Tour & Steak Cook Out” is Aug. 30 at V&W Farms in Byron Center, MI. Val Vail Shirey, executive director of the Michigan Onion Committee said the tour runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner follows in the west greenhouse at V&W Farms.
Val wrote, “We are excited to announce our 2018 Onion Trials are on Thursday, Aug. 30. We invite you to attend and respectfully ask that you also consider a financial sponsorship of this event.” She said industry updates and a marketing outlook will be part of the presentation and will include onion growers, packers, shippers, researchers, MSU Extension staff, seed dealers, chemical and fertilizer reps. For more information, contact Val at 517-372-1500 or email her at val@julianvail.com. CLICK HERE TO VIEW INVITE
