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 …
Vidalia Plants Significantly Damaged by Christmas Freeze
By Clint Thompson Vidalia onion plants suffered significant damage during the Christmas freeze event. As much as 30% in some fields were impacted by consecutive days of sub-freezing temperatures, according to Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. ac “We know we’ve got significant stand loss, in …
Upcoming Vidalia Onion Meeting
Georgia Vidalia onion producers should mark their calendars for an upcoming Vidalia Onion Crop Update, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia. University of Georgia (UGA) Extension specialists will discuss the recent freeze events and their impact on the current crop. UGA researchers will also present …
Vidalia Onion Extension Agent ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Following Sub-Freezing Temperatures
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s Vidalia onion crop had not been in the ground long before sub-freezing temperatures (temps) impacted Southeast Georgia Christmas Eve. They were especially vulnerable to temps that reached the teens Saturday morning and stayed mostly in the 20s for consecutive days. Still, any damage assessments will have to wait, says Chris Tyson, University of Georgia Extension area …
UGA Extension Encourages Copper Applications for Vidalia Onion Producers
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia Extension vegetable plant pathologist Bhabesh Dutta encourages Vidalia onion producers to apply copper ahead of this weekend’s frigid temperatures. “We need to put out at least copper before the freezing weather sets in. Copper may provide some degree of protection from saprophytes and pathogens after cold injury to foliage” Dutta said. Something is Better …