By Clint Thompson Thrips populations have spiked in recent weeks. Vidalia onion producers should be wary of these insects and their impact on a crop that is currently being harvested in Southeast Georgia. Stormy Sparks, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension vegetable entomologist, highlighted what he has observed in vegetable fields recently with regards to thrips infestations. “In general, over …
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 …
Organic Onion Production is a Challenge in the Southeast
By Bhabesh Dutta and Timothy Coolong Organic onion production in diverse weather conditions in the United States is challenging due to numerous biotic and abiotic factors. The challenges are more extreme in states with year-round warm climates which includes Georgia. Although these states grow onions in the spring, mild winter temperatures can increase challenges related to plant pathogens, insect and …
Harvest Nears for Vidalia Onion Crop
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion producers are getting closer to harvesting this year’s crop. Cliff Riner, Vidalia Onion Committee chairman, discussed the expected timeframe growers have in preparing to pick this year’s onions. “Most everything’s going to be the end of March and first of April to start. We’ll probably see a slight gap after the very first ones …
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 …
Labor Still Costly Expense for Vidalia Onion Producers
By Clint Thompson The latest Vidalia onion budget prepared by University of Georgia Extension specialists estimates farmers invest more than $7,000 in input costs. That puts the break-even price at $15 per box for producers. Fortunately, market prices have been strong in recent years. Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research …
Scala Fungicide No Longer Viable Option on Botrytis for Vidalia Onion Producers
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion producers should be wary that Scala fungicide appears to not be effective anymore on botrytis, an important disease that growers contend with every season. That also has an indirect impact on Luna Tranquility’s impact since it partially contains Scala. Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia Extension vegetable plant pathologist, discussed the disease and options available for …