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The 2024 Washington State University (WSU) Columbia Basin Onion Cultivar Trial evaluated 47 cultivars and lines using three replicate plots. The onions were planted on March 29 in a center-pivot irrigated field managed by Hartley Farms in the Horse Heaven Hills. They were harvested on September 24 and evaluated for yield and size distribution. In February, WSU will evaluate the bulbs for quality and bulb rots.
Held on August 29 at Hartley Farms, the event had about 100 onion enthusiasts attending. Participants viewed the trial entries and listened to WSU onion researchers give updates on their work.
- Cassandra Bates, who runs the WSU Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic in Pullman, invited onion growers to submit samples to the clinic to verify diseases or pests. An informational flier is included in the field day packet.
- Rui Liu discussed the cancellation of dacthal (DCPA or Dacthal) and gave some preliminary results of her herbicide efficacy trials in onions (included in the packet). She will be sharing more results at the upcoming PNVA Conference.
- Tim Waters reviewed management options for seedcorn maggot, discussed onion thrips, and answered several questions about insect pest management.
- Lindsey du Toit updated the audience on the Stop the Rot project. She provided a handout with QR codes to access resources developed by the Stop the Rot team (included in the packet). Onion growers should find the informational videos and Frequently Asked Questions especially helpful.
- Gabriel LaHue and his graduate student, Sahil Thapa, reviewed the results of their trials to study the effects of irrigation frequency and nitrogen management on onion bacterial bulb rot. Two short reports on the trials are included in the field day packet.
Click HERE for the 2024 WSU Onion Cultivar Trial Report (yield and size distribution from the last 25 years).
Click HERE to see the 2024 WSU Onion Field Day packet.
