By Clint Thompson Georgia Vidalia onion producers dodged Hurricane Idalia went it passed through the Southeast on Aug. 30. That, so far, has turned out to be the area’s only threat of a tropical system this fall. It has been a positive development for growers who are on the verge of transplanting this year’s crop, says Chris Tyson, University of …
What Are Vidalia Onion Producers Planning for This Season?
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion producers are less than months away from transplanting this year’s crop. Growers are already thinking about and planning for this year’s production season. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, discussed what is on the minds of farmers on the heels …
Christmas Freeze Effect: Shorter Vidalia Onion Crop This Year
By Clint Thompson There were fewer Vidalia onions in Georgia this year. It was a direct result of the freeze event during last Christmas, believes Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. He discussed how much of this year’s crop was lost as a result of multiple …
Vidalia Onion Harvests Winding Down Across Georgia
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion harvests are winding down across the Southeast Georgia region. Weather once again was a challenge for growers, with sporadic rain events recorded in the onion-producing counties, according to Cliff Riner, Vidalia Onion Committee chairman. “We’ve been really blessed to have a lot of good weather as well as some rain challenges, but (two weeks ago) …
Vidalia Onion Harvests Underway Across Southeast Georgia
By Clint Thompson The Vidalia onion harvest season is in full swing across Southeast Georgia. After a production season that’s experienced multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures during Christmas, along with an occurrence of downy mildew disease this spring, producers are thankful for the crop they’re harvesting. Cliff Riner, Vidalia Onion Committee chairman, discussed what growers are experiencing during this early …
Warm February Accelerates Vidalia Onion Production
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion plants are nearing harvest time. That timeframe was accelerated this year thanks to warmer temperatures in February. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area onion agent, discussed the progression of this year’s crop. “Looking at the heat units, obviously, everybody knows that it was really warm in February and the heat unit model that …
Upcoming Vidalia Onion Field Day
Vidalia onion producers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for the annual Vidalia Onion Field Day, scheduled for Thursday, April 6, at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC). The VOVRC is located at 8163 Hwy 178, Lyons, Georgia 30436. It will start with a sponsored lunch at noon, followed by a tour through the …
Downy Mildew Discovered in Vidalia Onion
By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease has been confirmed on Vidalia onion in Tattnall County, Georgia. According to the University of Georgia Extension Vegetable Blog, Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension vegetable plant pathologist, said growers should be scouting for symptoms since weather conditions are suitable for infection and spread of the pathogen. They should contact their local county …
Producers Beware: Downy Mildew Disease a Threat for Vidalia Onions
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall and extended periods of leaf wetness means conditions have improved for downy mildew disease in Vidalia onions. Growers should be wary of the disease as harvest season draws near, said Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension vegetable plant pathologist. “We always monitor downy mildew and the weather conditions that favor downy mildew. We follow …
Increased Copper Applications Help with Center Rot Management
By Clint Thompson Increased applications of copper during the second half of the production season can help Vidalia onion producers combat center rot disease more efficiently. Chris Tyson, UGA Extension area onion agent, conducted research on the practice which led to improved yields. “We figured a grower in the second half of the season may spray on average three to …