Onion World July/August 2019 by Columbia Media Group

Table of Contents Magazines For Maximum Yield

ONION WORLD Volume 35, Number 5

July/August 2019

PO Box 333 Roberts, Idaho 83444 Telephone: (208) 520-6461

www.O n i o n W o r l d .n e t Onion World Contacts

4 6 10 14

Bejo/De Groot en Slot Breeder Retires, Reflects

Harvest Essentials

Tackling Thrips in Organic Onions Hazera Highlights Hybrids Nitrogen: Is Less More?

Studies in Michigan and New York Highlight Potential for Reducing Nitrogen Rates on Muck Soils

Publisher / Advertising Manager Dave Alexander dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Editor Denise Keller editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Director of Operations Brian Feist brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Onion World is interested in newsworthy material related to onion production and marketing. Contributions from all segments of the industry are welcome. Submit news releases, new product submissions, stories and photos via email to: editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com, or call (509) 697-9436.

Buyers' Guide

ADVERTISING SALES For information on rates, mechanics, deadlines, list rental, direct mail, inserts or other information, call (208) 520-6461 or email: dave@onionworld.net

SUBSCRIPTIONS U.S. $24 per year Canada $40 per year Foreign $80 per year Payments may be made by check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

This field was part of a muck onion nitrogen rate response trial in Michigan in 2017. Studies in Michigan and New York found no marketable yield response to nitrogen fertilizer rates above 60 or 90 lb N ac -1. See the story on page 14.

On the Cover With nearly 100 people in attendance, Hazera onion field day organizers call the event a success. See the story on page 10. Photo courtesy Hazera

Onion World â&#x20AC;˘ July/August 2019

Departments

17 17 18 22

Calendar New Products In the News From the NOA

Subscribe online at: www.OnionWorld.net or call (503) 724-3581. Email address changes/corrections to brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or mail to: Onion World PO Box 333 Roberts, ID 83444 Onion World magazine (ISSN 1071-6653), is published eight times a year and mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho and at additional mailing offices. Produced by Columbia Media Group PO Box 333, Roberts, ID, 83444. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group. For information on reprints call (208) 520-6461.

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Bejo/De Groot en Slot Bre Retires, Reflects Bejo Zaden and De Groot en Slot are two family-owned, independent businesses that have been collaborating for 50 years to breed and sell onion seeds. Jan Slot has been an onion breeder for 35 years. His family owns De Groot en Slot. He grew up in the Netherlands and studied at Wageningen University. Slot has seen a lot of changes in the industry during his career and has accrued wisdom that only a lifetime of work can bring. Just after he announced his retirement, Onion World took an opportunity to sit down and visit with Slot.

Q: A:

Tell us about your career. How long have you been in the industry? A pretty long time. I started in 1973 at our family-owned company in the Netherlands. Then I got more involved in the breeding and selecting, especially in the alliums of onions, garlic and shallots. And now for more than 35 years, I am a breeder in the alliums.

of those varieties are you most Q: Q: Which proud of?

For sure, Redwing for the reds, the first deep red variety with a nice shape and good storability. And for the yellows – because in the yellows, you have much more competition – I think it will be Crockett. Crockett is a very nice brown, globe-shaped onion with very good storage. In the breeding process, how do you

You have been personally involved in the breeding of a lot of very successful varieties, including Copra, Tamara, Gunnison, Daytona, Crockett and, of course, Redwing. These are all longday varieties, right?

Q: determine what traits you’re going to

Indeed, these are all long-day varieties. They all have a good combination of yield, maturity and long storage quality. Growers can sell them 10 months to a year. Those varieties were and are very popular in the northern states of the USA, especially in Washington and New York.

Onion World • July/August 2019

try to breed for?

In the beginning, you’re always looking at what the market wants and what will be the future. The most important thing is what will be the future in the onion business. In the past, it was, of course, always a strong focus on yield. But then more challenges came up. For instance, it became important to look for storage quality. Now you are also busy with getting varieties that are stronger or even resistant against diseases.

What’s the status of varieties right now with resistance to thrips and Iris yellow spot virus? Those are, in principle, one of the most difficult ones. Thrips is a really dangerous insect, especially when you have varieties with waxy foliage. When you have less waxy foliage, the thrips slide off easier from the foliage in contrast of waxy foliage which acts like a gum. That causes a lot of damage on the plant. Iris yellow spot virus is still a rather new disease in onions. We are working on it, but it is still in the beginning.

So is it too soon to say what’s coming around for it?

For that disease, it is too soon to say. What we have achieved already is resistance against downy mildew. Fusarium is also a disease we are really focusing on.

"When you have less

eeder

A: "It takes more or less seven to eight generations to have a variety which is useable and can be sold."

And you have some varieties coming specifically for those diseases?

When we start thinking of a new variety, we first make inbreds. That is the beginning, and when we succeed and have a variety the market wants to have, that takes a long time. From the beginning until the first sale takes more than 15 years. Onion is a twoyear crop. One year you make a bulb, and the next year you make seed. It takes more or less seven to eight generations to have a variety which is useable and can be sold.

Not to mention government hoops, too, right?

Yes, they must have their extra value, and you also have to obey all the rules and regulations.

Our biggest success is that we have shallots from true seed. Shallots were always 100 percent normally propagated by planting bulbs, and now we have varieties like Conservor from true seed.

And the result of this way of working in all those years is that Bejo/De Groot en Slot became one of the world leaders in the onion seed industry.

What about your biggest failure? Have you had varieties that never made it to market?

Oh yeah, enough that were working much less than we ever thought. From the beginning, we thought that will be the future. But the market went another way, and we had to stop after years with the development of a new variety. But that’s part of the business.

Compare the early days of breeding to today.

Q: A:

Another success I already mentioned is the mildew-resistant varieties. That is such a huge step forward. For organic growers, that is one of their real plusses because they can’t spray against the disease. Now they can have a proper crop in a normal way. The other successes are following up on what you’re always working more closely at, always improving and increasing the quality, etc. and getting a new variety normally always on the traditional way of breeding. And the mildew-resistant varieties involved us as breeders working together with the laboratory.

With downy mildew, we even have varieties like Powell that are completely 100 percent resistant, but until now, they are more for the north part of the USA. Fusarium takes longer, but nowadays we have varieties that are much stronger against that disease – although not resistant yet. Can you tell us about your experience with the amount of time and money to actually get a new variety to market?

What do you see as the biggest success in your career?

It goes faster than in the old days. Because of new developments, we achieve quicker results, especially against diseases. Now with the lab together, you can follow the genetic resources, etc., and that helps a lot

waxy foliage, the thrips slide off easier"

What challenges will the breeders of tomorrow have that you can see? I think for sure that with the collaboration with the laboratory now, we are focusing much more on disease resistance than in the past. That is the main thing, and that is also the biggest issue for the growers. You get more problems with regulations with chemicals, so that will be less and less of an option. So you have to focus much more on trying to get resistance against diseases in a proper and easy way so the growers will have a good crop. Obviously, with a career as long as yours, you have a lot of good tips. What is your best piece of advice for growers and producers? My advice for the growers is don’t use too many chemicals and don’t use too much nitrogen. Those growers are really focusing on yield. Use less and you can earn more money because of quality. Maybe you lose a bit of yield, but the bottom line will be much, much better.

Tackling Thrips in Organic Onions By Lindsy Iglesias and Brian Nault, Cornell University

ith the long list of reasons to control thrips and the short list of options to get the job done, growers of organic onions may benefit from research at Cornell University. A Cornell-led team of researchers is working to put more tools in the hands of growers for managing onion thrips in organic onions. The research aims to develop season-long management programs using thrips-resistant cultivars, reflective mulches and OMRI Listed insecticides.

Major Pest

Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci, is the most important insect pest of onions. Onion thrips feeding damages onion foliage and can reduce onion bulb size by 60 percent. Onion thrips also transmits important pathogens, such as Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) and those that cause bacterial bulb rots. Thrips feeding also creates entry points for infection by Stemphylium vesicarium, the pathogen that causes Stemphylium leaf blight, which has recently become a serious foliar disease in the Great Lakes region. When conditions are hot and dry, onion thrips infestations often increase rapidly because several generations are produced in a short period, making management even more challenging.

Current Management

Knowledge of onion thrips management in organic onion production is somewhat limited. There are OMRI Listed crop protectants such as spinosad (Entrust), azadirachtin (Aza-Direct, Neemix 4.5) and others that have promise for onion thrips control. Growing onions on reflective and straw mulches can delay onion thrips colonization by one to two weeks and

Onion World â&#x20AC;˘ July/August 2019

reduce populations. Additionally, reflective mulch is useful for weed control and is preferred over straw because weed seeds can mix with straw mulch and can increase weed problems. Reducing fertilizer at planting has shown to reduce onion thrips populations in onions in the western U.S., but not in the eastern U.S. Naturally occurring biological control has not had a practical impact on thrips management. Research examining combinations of promising management tactics for onion thrips in organic onion production systems has been lacking. Our group, along with collaborators from Cornell University, the University of Wisconsin and the USDA, received funding from the USDA-NIFA Organic Research and Extension Initiative to evaluate multiple tactics for managing onion thrips in organic onions.

OMRI Listed Products

A trial conducted at the Cornell AgriTech research farm in 2018 evaluated several OMRI Listed insecticides and surfactants

for their efficacy against onion thrips. The products evaluated included Azera, Entrust, Neemix and PFR-97 that were co-applied with either M-Pede, NuFilm or Trilogy. Onions were transplanted on white plastic mulch, and insecticide + surfactant applications began when thrips numbers reached the action threshold of one thrips/ leaf and then continued weekly for seven weeks Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to note that seven consecutive applications of these products is off label and therefore not recommended; however, we were interested in identifying the most effective product over the course of the season. Overall, Entrust + M-Pede provided the best level of control (Fig. 1). However, we observed unacceptable levels of phytotoxicity in this treatment, perhaps as a result of an extremely hot, sunny summer. Entrust + Trilogy and Neemix + NuFilm reduced thrips numbers as effectively as Entrust + M-Pede. All of the Azera and PFR-97 were ineffective at controlling thrips (Fig. 1). The onions in this trial

Figure 1. The season average number of immature onion thrips counted per plant per week for seven weeks in Geneva, N.Y. Bars with different letters had significantly different numbers of thrips (P<0.05).

were harvested in September, allowed to dry in the field, then graded and weighed in October. Entrust had the highest yield (44.4 lb/plot) compared with the other insecticides, regardless of what surfactants were used.

Mulch, Resistant Varieties, Insecticides

In another trial conducted at the Cornell AgriTech research farm in 2018, we evaluated a combination of tactics for managing onion thrips. We evaluated two plastic mulch types: aluminum-on-black and white-on-black; three onion cultivars: the waxy-type cultivar Bradley and two partially thrips-resistant cultivars Rossa di Milano and B5336 x B5351, a hybrid onion from the USDA in Wisconsin; and either weekly applications of Entrust + Trilogy or no insecticide applications. Onions were transplanted and insecticide applications began when thrips numbers reached the action threshold of one thrips/ leaf and continued weekly for seven weeks. Again, note that seven consecutive applications of Entrust SC is off label. Onions on the aluminum-on-black mulch had more immature thrips than those on white-on-black mulch (Fig. 2), but had higher yields (Fig. 3). We were disappointed to find more thrips on aluminum-on-black mulch; however, we were surprised that bulb yields were actually higher on the aluminum-on-black mulch. Previous studies have shown that reflective and white mulches increase yields of several vegetable crops compared with those grown on bare soil or black mulches. Plants grown on the reflective mulch in our plots were also taller and perhaps could have supported larger populations of thrips larvae without a reduction in yield. The two partially thrips-resistant cultivars, Rossa di Milano and B5336 x B5351, had fewer immature thrips than Bradley (Fig. 2). Bradley is a commonly grown onion cultivar in the Great Lakes region due to its high yield potential and tolerance to the soil-borne disease pink root (Phoma terrestis). The yield of the partially onion-thrips resistant cultivar B5336 x B5351 was not different from Bradley (Fig. 3), suggesting that this new cultivar could reduce thrips damage in the field while still meeting yield expectations.

Figure 2. The season average number of immature onion thrips counted per plant per week for seven weeks in Geneva, N.Y. Bars with different letters had significantly different numbers of thrips (P<0.05).

Figure 3. The average yield in Geneva, N.Y. Bars with different letters had significantly different yields (P<0.05).

Thrips feeding reduces chlorophyll in the leaves of onion plants. The onion bulb on the left has no feeding damage, while the bulb on the right has heavy feeding damage.

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As expected, onions that were sprayed with Entrust + Trilogy had fewer thrips and higher yields than the untreated control (Fig. 2 and 3). These results were similar to our 2018 OMRI Listed insecticide trial and confirmed the effectiveness of Entrust as a thrips management tool.

Next Steps

We plan to repeat these two studies during the 2019 season to account for potential seasonal differences. We will also be conducting on-farm trials in New York and Wisconsin, using the best tools identified in our 2018 trials. Our on-farm trials will include a fungicide management program targeted for Stemphylium leaf blight, based on fungicide trials conducted in 2018 by project collaborators Frank Hay and Sarah Pethybridge in the Cornell Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe Biology Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science. Updates on this project can be found at http://nault.entomology.cornell. edu/organic-research/.

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Hazera Highlights Hybrids Photos courtesy Hazera

ith a nice breeze and temperatures around 90 degrees, Hazera held its first onion field day in Brawley, California, on May 1. Hosted by Fifield Land Company, the field was in excellent condition, which added to the success of the event, according to organizers. “The excellent conditions of the field made it possible to show our newest short-day onion portfolio for our U.S. customers in an optimal way,” said Jose Arias with Hazera. “We had an excellent number of visitors from many areas in California, but even outside of state, we had visitors coming to our onion field day. The feedback and interaction with these visitors is crucial for us as a seed company, as we use this information to steer our breeding targets. It was great to have this opportunity to have one-on-one talks with growers and distributors.” During the field day, Hazera showed one of its newest additions to the portfolio. Joelino is a main- to late-season variety with excellent firmness. “With the addition of this variety to our portfolio, we’re able to offer growers a productive variety that is very suitable for mechanical harvest,” said Ben de Nijs, product manager for Hazera.

Downy Mildew Resistance

Hazera also showcased a new yellow variety with a unique trait. Hybrid 10256, currently still under number, has full resistance to downy mildew, caused by Peronospora destructor. The downy mildew resistance trait will provide farmers with additional security against big losses, as this disease can cause serious issues in areas with higher humidity and/or higher plant densities. Hybrid 10256, with vigorous tops and a main-season maturity, is still in the last phase of development, but is expected to be added to the portfolio soon. The hybrid will be labeled with the PdR logo, referring to Peronospora destructor resistance. This logo will be used in all advertisement outlets and on the Hazera packages, and will be used for all Hazera’s onion varieties with downy mildew resistance. “We acquired this trait years ago by backcrossing a wild specie into the Allium cepa – the bulb onion as we know and

Hazera onion field day attendees hear about Hazera’s newest varieties.

grow it. Hazera has been using the trait in other day length onions, but so far, we did not have it in short-day onions. We’re currently about to launch this trait in the short-day onion market in the U.S., but we know there are many areas where downy mildew is a problem,” said Pablo Salgado, Hazera’s short-day onion breeder.

Opportunities for the Imperial Valley

Hazera describes hybrid 10415, one of its newest red varieties, as offering main-season maturity, globe-shaped bulbs and vigorous tops.

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According to field day attendee Robert Bell with Western Onion, it was great to see these new varieties with different maturities. “I’m excited to see some main- to late-season yellow and white varieties becoming available for the Imperial Valley. This might give growers the opportunity to extend their season a bit longer over here. Especially for the white onions, we see this year a strong demand. Later varieties could benefit very well from this,” Bell said. He also commented that the new Joelino addition to Hazera’s portfolio looks nice, and it looks like the company is heading in a good direction.

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Hazera Strong Red Genetics

Hazera has been offering Red Sea and Miss Scarlet in the red onion segment for quite a number of years. Both varieties have found their way to growers in the U.S., Mexico and many other countries. During the field day, company reps proudly showed one of Hazera’s newest red varieties: hybrid 10415. “We’re very excited about this new red variety. With its main-season maturity, good globe shape and vigorous tops, it will be a very versatile onion suitable for all short-day red onion growers out there,” de Nijs reported. Worldwide, the company has seen the total percentage of red onion production increase substantially, and the expectation is that this trend will continue. “Although the market for red onions is still considered small compared to the yellow onion market in the U.S., we do see it increasing every year. Consumers are using the red onions for salads and sandwiches mainly, and I believe this fresh, healthy industry has been increasing,”

Hazera short-day onion breeder Pablo Salgado discusses Hazera’s downy mildew resistant onion varieties.

de Nijs shared. “Internally, we’re now thinking of a suitable name for this variety. In the coming season, it will be in trials only.” “With close to 100 visitors at our onion field day, we can consider this to be a great success. Innovation is key for many growers, and we as a seed company also need to keep innovating. Working on a portfolio with varieties with added value for the growers is something Hazera

is committed to. Disease resistances, strong root systems, exceptional flavors, improved firmness and internal quality are all characteristics our varieties have been checked on before they get into this stage in the field. Onion breeding in general takes a long time, mainly due to the fact it is a bi-annual crop. On top of that, our hybrids have a long way to go before they’re fully checked and approved by our customers,” de Nijs concluded.

Hybrid 10256, a new yellow variety in the last phase of development by Hazera, has full resistance to downy mildew.

Onion World • July/August 2019

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NITROGEN: IS LESS MORE?

Studies in MI and NY Highlight Potential for Reducing Nitrogen Rates on Muck Soils By Zachary D. Hayden, Michigan State University; Ashley Leach and Brian Nault, Cornell University

n the Great Lakes region, dry bulb onions are primarily produced on muck soils. Also called organic soils or Histosols, these unique soils are formed by the accumulation of partially decomposed plant material in marshy areas over centuries. As a result, muck soils are characterized by high levels of organic matter relative to mineral soils, often containing between 20 and 80 percent organic matter. Despite their potential to be naturally low in a number of other essential plant nutrients, organic matter mineralization in muck soils can release substantial amounts of nitrogen (N) for plant uptake each year. Onions have a high demand for N, and adequate full-season N fertility is essential for maximizing onion bulb yield and quality. However, too much N can have negative consequences. Fertilization in excess of crop requirements risks wasting money on unneeded inputs and leaves N vulnerable to environmental losses. In addition, excess N fertility can influence onion maturation and quality and may interact with important pests and diseases. In particular, onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) and bacterial leaf blights and bulb rots can cause substantial yield and quality losses in the field and in storage, and the severity

of both have been reported to be influenced by N fertility. We conducted independent studies in commercial muck onion production systems in Michigan and New York that examined the effects of N fertilizer rates on onion yield and quality and potential impacts on onion thrips and the incidence of bacterial disease.

Effects on Marketable Yields

Experiments were conducted on commercial farms near Hamilton, Michigan, and Elba, New York, in 2017 and 2018. In Michigan, treatments included four total N fertilizer rates (90, 140 190 and 240 lb N ac-1) applied as urea, each consisting of 90 lb N ac-1 applied pre-plant by the grower and the remainder of the N top-dressed in midJune. In New York, treatments included five total N rates (0, 60, 75, 105 and 135 lb N ac-1) applied as urea, with all but the no N control consisting of 60 lb N ac-1 applied at planting and the remainder of the N top-dressed in June. Onion cultivars were Bradley both years in New York, and Aldrin in 2017 and Champ in 2018 in Michigan. Onions were planted in April, harvested in September, and graded and weighed by size category.

Across sites and years, there was no impact of N rates above 60 or 90 lb N ac-1 on marketable yield in New York and Michigan, respectively (Fig. 1). Furthermore, in 2018 in New York, yields in all N treatments were similar to the unfertilized control. In Michigan, increasing N rates also did not influence bulb size in either year (data not shown). These results are consistent with a number of previous studies in New York, Michigan and Ontario, Canada, and highlight that for many muck fields, the full standard recommended total N fertilizer rate (125-140 lb N ac-1 in New York and Michigan) is not necessary to optimize onion yield and quality. More research is needed to identify the optimal rates of N fertilizer for onion production in muck soils.

Interactions with Pests, Disease, Storage Quality

Beyond fertilizer input costs and potential environmental losses, does oversupplying N result in other key risks for an onion crop? In New York, Cornell researchers looked at the impact of N fertilizer rate on onion thrips populations during the season, and on the incidence of bacterial foliar symptoms and bulb rot. There was no

Figure 1. Onion marketable yields in New York (a,b) and Michigan (c,d) nitrogen rate trials in 2017 (a,c) and 2018 (b,d)

Onion World â&#x20AC;˘ July/August 2019

Total percent marketable bulbs with internal decay

Total percent marketable bulbs with infected leaves

15%

a) Within the growing season

10%

d 0%

15%

10%

0 lbs. N/A

cd 60 lbs. N/A

75 lbs. N/A

105 lbs. N/A

135 lbs. N/A

105 lbs. N/A

135 lbs. N/A

Rate of nitrogen

b) At harvest

b 0%

0 lbs. N/A

60 lbs. N/A

75 lbs. N/A

Rate of nitrogen

Figure 2. Total percentage of onions with bacterialof rotonions symptomswith duringbacterial the growingrot season (a) Figure 2. Total percentage symptoms and at harvest (b) in New York in 2017

(a) and at harvest (b) in New York in 2017

evidence that N rates influenced seasonlong onion thrips infestations in the field, suggesting that N fertilizer decisions are unlikely to impact management of this pest. On the other hand, in New York in 2017, the incidence of bacterial disease (both the percentage of infected leaves and the percentage of rotting bulbs after harvest) increased with increasing rates of N fertilizer (Fig. 2). However, levels of bulb rot did not differ significantly between 60 lb N ac-1 and 135 lb N ac-1. In Michigan, conditions did not favor bacterial rot, and no incidence was observed in either year. The take-home message is that higher N rates may predispose onions to bacterial rot, but many other factors including weather, field history, water management and storage conditions will be important in determining the likelihood of losses. Excess N has the potential to delay onion maturity. In New York, onion maturity was delayed by an average of 10 days in 2017 (data not shown); however, no differences in maturity were observed in 2018. Michigan State University researchers did not observe differences in the timing of maturity across N rates in either year. In 2017 in Michigan, a larger percentage of bulbs exhibited sprouting in storage with increasing N rates (Table 1), although the bulbs had been in storage for an extended period (six months) at 50 degrees Fahrenheit before evaluation. Nevertheless, these results do indicate that excessive N fertility has the potential to negatively impact some aspects of storage quality.

Table 1. Percentage of bulbs exhibiting sprouting during storage in Michigan trials.

N Rate lbs. N/A 90 140 190 240

Sprouting Blubs 2017 2018 % 3.5a 0.0a 5.3a 0.4a 10.9b 0.3a 11.3b 0.7a

the

power

during the growing season

CONTROL

Nitrogen Management Implications

Cornell and Michigan State University N recommendations for dry bulb onions grown on muck soils are 125 and 140 lb N ac-1, respectively. These recommendations already consider the potential for greater N availability from organic matter mineralization on muck. However, our results highlight that for many fields, growers can maximize yields, reduce risks of exacerbating disease and storage quality issues, and save money by applying significantly less N fertilizer. A recent survey suggested that one in three muck onion growers in New York have already reduced their N rates to less than 60 lb N ac-1. The challenge is that muck soils vary in their ability to supply N due to factors such as organic matter content and quality, depth and weather conditions that can promote N loss during the growing season. This makes broad recommendations to reduce N rates difficult, but knowledge of soil characteristics and a smart fertilization strategy can help dial in the right rate.

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Nitrogen Onions grow slowly in the first six weeks after planting, so broadcast and incorporate only 50 to 60 lbs N ac-1 prior to planting. Alternatively, if N is applied using a starter fertilizer near the seed, this amount can be reduced to 40 lb N ac-1. Later in mid-June (3-4 leaf stage) before onion N demand increases rapidly, side- or top-dress the remaining N fertilizer (up to 90 to 100 lbs N ac-1). This also provides an opportunity to evaluate available soil

N content and reduce side-dress N rates accordingly. Previous studies in Michigan have shown that a pre-side-dress soil nitrate test (PSNT) can provide a good indication of how much N is available in the soil and how much side-dress N fertilizer can be reduced without impacting yield. Muck soils vary widely in their bulk density (the weight of soil in a given volume), so calculating specific N credits from PSNT values is more soil specific than for

mineral soils and requires an estimate of bulk density. However, as a conservative ballpark estimate, current research suggests that muck onion fields with PSNT values greater than 60 ppm in the top 12 inches may be unlikely to exhibit an economic response to additional N fertilizer. While more research is needed to confirm this estimate across soils and years, muck onion fields exceeding this threshold prior to side-dress should be targeted for reduced N fertilizer rates.

Symptoms of bacterial infection can be seen in the photo on the left, while the photo on the right shows symptoms of bulb rot in onion.

Wilted inner leaves

Onion World â&#x20AC;˘ July/August 2019

New Products

Calendar

GroupAg Distributes Forte Humidifiers

July 10

GroupAg is the exclusive U.S. distributor for all Forte humidifiers, which have been carefully designed and constructed with materials that resist corrosion from water and acids and can be used as chemical applicators. Installation requires a standard power connection and water source. The fog rate for each of the three models is adjustable by a manual valve to achieve the desired amount of humidity or cooling. Forte humidifiers do not use nozzles, which are prone to clogging, according to the company. The humidifiers are able to work in almost every environment, ensuring reliability and durability. They are also said to be cost effective, providing a low-maintenance solution for usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; humidity and cooling needs. Visit www.groupag.com.

EPA Approves Thrips Insecticide

Torac Insecticide from Nichino America, Inc. has received U.S. EPA label expansion for use in onions. The insecticide is used to control thrips. The active ingredient tolfenpyrad blocks cellular respiration and is effective on immature and adult stages of thrips. Because Torac causes rapid cessation of feeding in the pest, it also aids in reducing the transmission of Iris yellow spot virus. Torac belongs to the METI class of compounds and is an IRAC Group 21A insecticide. Nichino recommends using Torac in rotation with insecticides of different modes of action for effective resistance management. Torac has a seven-day pre-harvest interval. Visit www.nichino.net.

Malheur Experiment Station Summer Farm Festival 595 Onion Ave., Ontario, Ore. Janet Jones, (541) 889-2174 janet.jones@oregonstate.edu

July 24-27

2019 International Allium Conference

National Onion Association, National Allium Research Conference, International Allium Research Symposium Madison Concourse Hotel Madison, Wisc. www.onions-usa.org

Aug. 28

Crookham Company Long-Day Onion Show www.crookham.com

Aug. 29

WSU Onion Field Day

L&L Farms, Connell, Wash. Tim Waters, (509) 545-3511 twaters@wsu.edu

OnionWorld.net

In the News

NOA Opposes Petition to Ban Coated Seeds

The National Onion Association (NOA) has taken a stand against a petition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking government regulation of commonly treated seeds used in the onion industry. Petitioners believe that coated seeds create dust clouds during application that kill nearby bee populations. In a letter to the EPA, the NOA made the case that the petition provided no hard evidence that coated seeds kill bee populations. The NOA also mentioned that insecticide-coated seeds have helped rid America’s onion fields of maggots and wireworms in the most environmentally sound manner possible, adding that coated seeds help reduce the amount of insecticide application and reduce farmworkers’ exposure to insecticides.

Allium Leafminer Tops Talks on Capitol Hill

Concerns about the Allium leafminer took National Onion Association (NOA) leaders and onion researchers to Washington D.C. this spring. The NOA’s Greg Yielding and Kay Riley, along with onion researchers Brian Nault of Cornell University, Stuart Reitz with Oregon State University and Tim Waters with Washington State University, met with the deputy administrator for USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine to discuss concerns about the pest. While the Allium leafminer has only been found in the northeastern U.S., the fear of it traveling to other areas of the country is the main concern. The insect has been de-listed as a quarantine pest at the federal level. However, under the APHIS Federally Recognized State Managed Phytosanitary program, the feds will prevent produce from states where the pest has been found from entering states in the program. California is the only state that has an active quarantine. Oregon’s plan is pending, and Washington may be next on the list.

Post-Harvest protection for your onions

(208) 356-7800 • GroupAg.com

TURNING RAW IDEAS INTO STAINLESS STEEL SOLUTIONS CMI is an expert at taking a vision - and engineering it to work at production speed. Whether onions need to be peeled, or a complete processing line developed, CMI delivers its magic in stainless steel.

www.cmiequip-eng.com

320-864-5894 18

Onion World • July/August 2019

Lender Predicts Profitable Returns

Northwest Farm Credit Services foresees profitable returns to Pacific Northwest onion producers in the next 12 months. The lender bases its prediction on several driving factors in the industry. For starters, demand was strong during the first quarter of 2019 with prices improving since the first of the year. In addition, onions have stored well with good overall quality. Finally, late-winter storms produced above-average snowpack for most of the Pacific Northwest, which will provide adequate water for the 2019 growing season. However, the abundance of wet weather did delay early planting.

NOA Joins Pass USMCA Movement

The National Onion Association (NOA) has joined the Pass USMCA Coalition, a group of trade associations and businesses advocating for the swift passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The organization says the provisions outlined in the USMCA will defend American jobs, cultivate innovation and encourage business development, spurring growth for local, state and national economies. In 2017, the U.S. exported more than $275 billion in goods to Mexico and nearly $350 billion in goods to Canada, the coalition reported. “Mexico and Canada are leading export markets, and fair trade must be maintained without hiccups,” said Greg Yielding, executive vice president and chief executive of the NOA. “Ratifying this agreement is the best way to secure that.” Supporters say the USMCA includes strong, enforceable provisions to protect workers and the environment, and the agreement will create new export opportunities for American companies and encourage new job-creating investments.

It’s time to celebrate!

NEW

CELL POWER® ZynergyTM CELL POWER® ZynergyTM is an effective foliar fertilizer with useful synergy in IPM programs against a range of diseases. CELL POWER® Zynergy contains a unique blend of Copper and Zinc which help improve plant stress tolerance, as well as yield and quality y of a wide range of crops.

National Onion Day, June 27

Help celebrate this momentous occasion with a day full of onions!

Red Angel

105-107 days. Matures a few days after Red Label. Large jumbo, excellent deep globe shape. Short term storage. Very classy dark red color that holds well in high heat conditions. A new standard for Intermediate day red onions. Very clean upright foliage. High in single centers. IR: Pt

Hamilton

120 days. Large jumbo, with excellent long term storage. Very uniform, extremely firm, classy bulbs. IR: Foc/Pt

Call 559-661-6138

Oneida

New mid-season yellow storage onion with a nice round bulb shape, fine neck and good skin. Good productivity, high quality and good mid-term storage. IR: FOC, HR: Pt

Bejo Seeds is a leading breeder and producer of high-performing onion varieties. Bejo breeding focuses on strong root systems, enhanced disease resistance, quality long-term storage, optimum nutrition, and outstanding flavor. Bejo Seeds are available through quality-minded dealers on both a seed packet and commer cial scale. Call the number at right for a list of seed sources. See the Bejo assortment at bejoseeds.com, and the full lineup of 120 organic varieties at organicseedfinder.com

► bejoseeds.com

Visit www.omexusa.com

Twitter @ OMEXCompanies Facebook /OMEXCompanies

Jim Christopherson

Senior Sales & Product Development Manager, NW

Red Mountain

509-531-8683 j.christopherson@bejoseeds.com

Jan van der Heide

Northeast Market Manager 315-789-4155 j.vanderheide@bejoseeds.com

Mid-season maturity. Large, jumbo, deep globe bulb size. Mid-term to long term storage depending on harvest slot. Medium dark red, can have slight bronzing in heat conditions. Performs well in areas desiring early maturing storage red onion. IR: Pt

,i::>

De Groot en Slot __ PARTNERS IN ALLIUM __

OnionWorld.net

Harvest Essentials Buyers’ Guide

Agri-Stor Companies • www.agri-stor.com Agri-Star Control Panel

Agri-Stor Companies helps growers take control of their onion storage with Gellert’s Agri-Star Control Panel. Since 1964, Agri-Stor has designed and sold thousands of Agri-Star panels for a wide range of post- harvest products. Through these years of application experience and universitybased research, Agri- Stor Companies has developed its most userfriendly, advanced control panel yet. Features include a full-color, interactive touchscreen, easy-tounderstand programming and internet capabilities with an intuitive app. Fully adaptable to growers’ onion storages, the Agri-Star panel can handle everything including curing mode, burners, humidity, refrigeration, airflow, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, heat and lights. When growers match the Agri-Star panel with Gellert’s climate control equipment, their onions are wrapped in the perfect climate, extending their life and quality.

Greentronics • www.greentronics.com RiteTrace

Greentronics has added load-by-load field-to-storage tracking to its RiteYield root crop yield monitor product. The new product, RiteTrace, is designed to automate harvest and storage data recording. This provides onion growers with a wide range of reports as well as field and 3D storage maps detailing where each load originated and is stored. Maps allow growers to link areas in storages and fields to better understand quality issues and improve crop management discussions and communications with buyers and processors. Reports include yields by variety and field, and loads by field, storage and truck. Data points are date/time stamped, and maps and reports work well with GAP compliance. Greentronics offers yield data integration with John Deere GS3 2630 and Trimble FMx and TMx monitors, allowing operators to view yield maps in real time. Yield maps offer visual insights to yield variability across fields and farms. Data are useful in calculating nutrient removal and generating variable rate application prescription maps. from FIELD

to TRUCK

to DETAILED MAPS

to STORAGE

Lee Shuknecht & Sons, Inc. • www.shuknecht.com

SP-132 Onion Harvester

Lee Shuknecht & Sons, Inc.’s SP-132 is a self-propelled two-bed harvester that eliminates windrowing while simultaneously direct loading two beds, for a total production width of 132 inches using 47-inch chains. The low-maintenance mechanical harvester provides the highest percentage of topping of all Shuknecht’s onion harvesters, harvesting two to three tons per minute. Powered by a standard 190-hp Cummins engine, the solo operator seated in an air-conditioned cab has complete control over blower speed, primary and rear elevator speeds, cutter bar speed and height, and ground speed. The two-bed harvester features a 4-foot high-capacity boom and easily controlled front pickup elevators with spring assist floats. The list of available options includes: a moveable 4-foot or 5-foot dipper, rotating cab, stainless blower housing liners and a 240-hp engine. Digital readouts for the blower, primary chain and ground speed can be included, as well as hydraulic adjustment front elevator gauge wheels. Ground sync primary chain control, a posi-traction four-wheel-drive system and hydraulic trash chain drive can all be built into the SP-132.

Onion World • July/August 2019

SYMACH • www.symach.nl/en Palletizers

SYMACH palletizers make onion operations more efficient and produce pallets with no product overhang. The machines offer immediate labor savings, prevent product damage, and stack neat, stable pallets every time. SYMACH is now part of Barry-Wehmiller’s companies and continues to deliver products people need every day.

Synthetic Resources Incorporated • www.syntheticresources.com ReflectorNET

ReflectorNET is an elastic pallet wrapping net typically used in the agricultural business for palletizing fresh produce that requires ventilation. ReflectorNET is manufactured with enhanced elasticity to wrap more pallets per roll, which saves money on packaging products, and to allow for stronger pallet containment, which provides peace of mind that loads are securely wrapped. ReflectorNET saves 50 to 60 percent of the cost of strap-and-corners packaging methods. The product offers an aggressive built-in memory that helps maintain width, providing excellent pallet stability with only little overlapping whether used in a wrapping machine or manually. Synthetic Resources Inc. offers ReflectorNET in 20-inch- and 30-inch-wide machine rolls. Standard pallet netting is available in hand and machine rolls.

Top Air • www.topair.ag RL 8400

The RL 8400 is the latest and largest model of Top Air’s rod lifter line, designed to maximize the efficiency of tractors and manpower. Wing fold design allows safe and manageable road transport of the 8 x 44” bed model. Double rods are hydraulically driven by three separate drive standards, the standard configuration of four 7.6 – 15” gauge wheels provide consistent depth control, and Clymer spring-loaded coulters prevent buildup of leaves and debris on the standards. Available onion savers help keep onions out of the wheel tracks and on the beds.

Univerco • www.univerco.com Challenger II Two-Row Onion Harvester

With 35 years of experience in building onion harvesters, Univerco has developed the Challenger model that has been successfully harvesting short-, intermediate- and long-day onions. The Challenger II has the same capability, but in a two-row version. The variable-speed topper table will allow the operator to cut onion tops regardless of the quantity of onions going through the table and will also cut greener tops. Brushes under the topper table keep the rollers clean, and weeds are ejected by the table without affecting the onion flow. Smooth transitions between conveyors help keep a good quality onion, even in softer varieties. A steering axle that allows a short turning radius and a system of three cameras to monitor the key areas of the machine are some of the features that make the Challenger II Univerco’s most versatile onion harvester regardless of soil or onion type. OnionWorld.net

From the NOA

Network This Summer With Alliums’ Best

By René Hardwick, National Onion Association Director of Public and Industry Relations

nion researchers and industry folks from around the world will convene in Madison, Wisconsin, in July for the first 2019 International Allium Conference. To you and me, that’s networking and education central – on steroids. The convention will combine the National Onion Association’s summer convention with the National Allium Research Conference and the International Allium Research Symposium for the first time – an allium trifecta like none other. This will be in the heart of Madison, in the Madison Concourse Hotel. Registration fees, however, will increase soon. The price goes up for those who aren’t registered by July 3. So, get registered. Then get your hotel rooms – they’re going fast. This conference will answer your long-held questions, such as: how onion breath happens; genetic reasons for premature bolting; post-harvest conservation techniques; what to do about the onion’s latest American pest, the Allium leafminer; insecticide resistance in the Columbia Basin; fungicide resistance in New York; and insecticide seed and in-furrow treatments for the management of onion maggot on seeded onions. The list goes on.

First, we have amazing speakers lined up from around the world: • Dr. Eric Block is the author of “Garlic and Other Alliums: The Lore and the Science.” Block is a world authority on organosulfur and organoselenium chemistry, especially in allium plants, and on the molecular basis of the sense of smell. He’ll discuss recent advances in the chemistry of onion, garlic and other alliums through his presentation “Chemistry in a Salad Bowl: The amazing molecules formed by cutting onion and garlic.” • Dr. Claudio Galmarini, an onion breeder at the National Institute for Agricultural Technology in Mendoza, Argentina, will speak on the effects of nectar composition and floral traits on onion seed production. • Dr. Ludmila Khrustaleva, the head of the molecular biology center at the Russian State Agrarian University in Moscow and Timiryazev Agricultural Academy in Russia, will speak on the molecular cytogenetics in the genomic sequencing era and its role in onion breeding. • Dr. Masayoshi Shigyo, a professor in the graduate school of sciences and technology for innovation at Yamaguchi University in Japan, and an expert in the physiological basis of disease resistance in alliums, will speak on just that. The international feel won’t stop there. Researchers from several countries have submitted abstracts and will present on a variety of topics. Those researchers are from Russia, Holland, Israel, Bangladesh, India, Argentina, Uruguay, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, France, Canada and the United Kingdom to name a few. The global research to be discussed will directly affect U.S. growers, addressing diseases and pests, breeding efficiency and product quality. While this conference will bring your onion knowledge to world-renowned levels, you won’t be just sitting around listening to research the entire time. On July 25, enjoy a great banquet dinner followed by the always entertaining summer auction, at which you can go home with some pretty great stuff, or just watch the inevitable bidding war that always seems to fire up a crowd. The next day, hop a coach with us for a day of onions and tour Gumz Farms in Endeavor, Wisconsin, and Seminis Vegetable Seeds. There, you will see how Gumz Farms operates in its rich muck soils and the company’s new climate-controlled packing sheds. After lunch at Gumz, it’s on to Seminis Vegetable Seeds for a quick tour of the operation. Overall, this summer convention is going to be a great opportunity to meet talent from around the globe and see some word-class onion fields and operations. Go to the International Allium Conference tab at www.onions-usa.org to register online for both the conference and your hotel accommodations.

Onion World • July/August 2019

Advertiser Index Hotlinks Click on the Advertiser to Jump Straight to Their Ad

ONION SEED American Takii Bejo Seeds Inc. Crookham

EQUIPMENT Agri-Stor

Germains

CMI Equipment & Engineering Co.

Seedway

Chinook Equipment, Inc. Clearwater Supply, Inc.

STORAGE

Gearmore Inc.

Group Ag

Greentronics Lee Shuknecht & Sons, Inc

MISCELLANEOUS National Onion Association TheOnionPodcast.com

CROP INPUTS Corteva-Telone OMEX

Redwood Empire Awning Company South Georgia Equipment Top Air Univerco Volm