The 2024 Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Annual Meeting dedicated a full day to the Onion Session, featuring twelve presentations that covered a wide range of topics relevant to onion growers in the region. The discussions ranged from pest management to the economic outlook for the upcoming growing season.
Michael Locati and Jason Brown kicked off the session with insights into the Columbia Basin Onion Research Committee's efforts. They highlighted the committee's role in funding vital research through contributions from growers and industry partners, which in turn helps secure additional research grants. They urged more industry members to engage with the committee to support ongoing and future research endeavors.
Gina Greenway provided an analysis of farm economics, focusing on the 2025 growing season. She advised growers to monitor the seasonality of input costs, such as fuel and fertilizer, to optimize purchase timing despite rising commodity prices.
Carrie Wohleb introduced pest management discussions with a unique "CSI" approach to diagnosing onion field issues, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation to accurately identify problems.
Lindsey du Toit discussed the "Stop the Rot" project, addressing bacterial bulb rots, a significant concern for onion growers. She stressed the impossibility of eradicating the problem through chemical means alone and recommended cultural practices to minimize infection risks.
Alan Schreiber's research on nematode management was reviewed, highlighting the limitations of current treatments and the potential of new products like NemaClean, MeloCon, and Onira to offer more sustainable management options.
Mike Thornton shared his findings on factors contributing to size disparities in onions grown in drip-irrigated beds and addressed management strategies for pink root disease. His significant contributions to the PNVA and the onion industry were recognized as he received a plaque from association president Jim Zahand, marking his retirement from the University of Idaho.
The session provided valuable insights and updates for PNW onion growers, covering critical research developments and management strategies to address ongoing and emerging challenges in onion production.
Source: Onion Business