Onion World November 2025 by Columbia Media Group

ONION WORLD

New OIYS19-980 is remarkably sweet and tearless. Learn more about Crookham's new varieties on page 32.

Producing perfect onions is easier when equipped with the right

and services. Find a list of vendors to guide your plans for next season in the 2026 Buyers’ Guide, starting on page 6.

PO Box 333 Roberts, Idaho 83444

Telephone: (208) 520-6461

Circulation: (503) 724-3581

OnionWorld.net

OnIOn WOrld COntaCtS

Editor Denise Keller editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

Publisher / advertising Manager

Dave Alexander dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

director of Operations

Brian Feist brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

EdItOrIal InFOrMatIOn

Onion World is interested in newsworthy material related to onion production and marketing. Contributions from all segments of the industry are welcome. Submit news releases, new product submissions, stories and photos via email to: editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com.

adVErtISInG SalES

For information on rates, mechanics, deadlines, list rental, direct mail, inserts or other information, call (208) 520-6461 or email: dave@onionworld.net

SUBSCrIPtIOnS

U.S. $24 per year

Canada $40 per year

Foreign $80 per year

Subscribe online at: www.OnionWorld.net/subscribe or call (503) 724-3581.

Email address changes/corrections to brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or mail to:

Onion World PO Box 333 Roberts, ID 83444

Onion World magazine (ISSN 0892-578X), is published eight times a year and mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho and at additional mailing offices. Produced by Columbia Media Group PO Box 333, roberts, Id, 83444. Copyright 2025. all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group. For information on reprints call (208) 520-6461.

Case studies and data collection were conducted in partnership with the University of Georgia Extension, Oregon State University, and Ag Metrics Group.

16% MORE SINGLE CENTERS

Laserweeding increased premium grade, single-center onions by 16% compared to herbicide treated onions. Location: ID/OR

36% FIRMER ONIONS

Laserweeded onions were 36% firmer than those treated with pre- and postemergent herbicides. Location: CA

45% COLOSSAL & 40% JUMBO

Laserweeding produced 53.66 tons per acre, with 45% colossal and 40% jumbo grade processing onions. Location: CA

SEEDED ONIONS IN VIDALIA

Laserweeding enabled direct seeded onions, boosting bulb diameter and weight by 200% compared to herbicide alone. Location: GA

Buyers’ Guide 2026

There are a lot of moving parts involved in growing and marketing an onion crop - from needing the right products to protect your crop from pests and pathogens to having the right equipment to efficiently navigate the season. For most growers, packers and shippers, this translates into a constant to-do list, shopping list and wish list. Whether your list has you searching for a new harvester or just some innovative irrigation equipment, you’ll find a comprehensive list of suppliers in Onion World’s 2026 Buyers’ Guide.

FErtIlIZErS / GrOWth PrOMOtErS

Diamond K Gypsum

diamondkgypsum.com

Solution grade gypsum, sulfate of potash and soil surfactants set the industry standards for purity and efficiency. Advanced testing provides better data from water and soil tests.

Premium 97

diamondkgypsum.com

The purest, most soluble Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate boosts calcium and sulphur while reducing soil salts.

Redox

130 S 100 W

Burley, ID 83318 (208) 678-2610

redoxgrows.com

Redox Bio-Nutrients focuses on sustainable plant nutrition. Each Redox Bio-Nutrients product has been scientifically developed to address specific plant needs in four key areas: Abiotic Stress Defense, Soil Health, Root Development and Nutrient Efficiency.

Tessenderlo Kerley

(800) 525-2803

tessenderlokerley.com

Tessenderlo Kerley provides liquid and dry sulfur-based fertilizers and legacy protection products, which include Thio-Sul, KTS, CaTs, Sectagon and Surround.

C r OP I n PU t S

FUnGICIdES

Cor teva Agriscience

Indianapolis, IN corteva.us

Fontelis fungicide

Tanos fungicide

Bexfond biological fungicide

Gowan USA

(800) 883-1844

gowanco.com

Gavel fungicide, Reason fungicide, Zing! fungicide

JH Biotech, Inc.

4951 Olivas Park Dr. Ventura, CA 93003

(805) 650-8933

info@jhbiotech.com

Fosphite fungicide

hErBICIdES

Corteva Agriscience

Indianapolis, IN corteva.us

Starane Ultra herbicide

Gowan USA

(800) 883-1844

gowanco.com

Prefar 4-E herbicide, Sonalan HFP herbicide, Treflan HFP herbicide

InSECtICIdES / PEStICIdES / FUMIGantS

Cor teva Agriscience

Indianapolis, IN

corteva.us

Radiant insecticide

Vydate L insecticide/nematicide

Entrust insecticide

Nichino America, Inc.

4550 Linden Hill Road, Suite 501

Wilmington, DE 19808 (888) 740-7700

nichino.net

Torac insecticide

Teleos Ag Solutions

(833) 679-1942

teleosag.com

TELONE™ II by Teleos

Tessenderlo Kerley

(800) 525-2803

tessenderlokerley.com

Tessenderlo Kerley provides liquid and dry sulfur-based fertilizers and legacy protection products, which include Thio-Sul, KTS, CaTs, Sectagon and Surround.

2026 Buyers’ Guide

EQUIPME nt

BaGGInG / PaCKaGInG / PaCKInG / PallEtIZInG

Chinook Equipment Inc.

P.O. Box 15554, Boise, ID 83715 (208) 331-1126

chinookequipment@gmail.com chinookequipment.com

Sales and rentals of Edp Electro-bagger.

Eqraft Inc.

info@eqraft.com eqraft.com

Eqraft designs, builds, and maintains smart agri factories. With our know-how, machinery, and software we enable growers, processors, and packers all around the world to develop an efficient and reliable agribusiness. Our roots trace back to 1984 in the Netherlands' prime agricultural regions. Today, we proudly serve North America through Eqraft Inc., based in Tri-Cities, WA.

Haines Equipment, Inc.

P.O. Box I, 20 Carrington Street Avoca, NY 14809 (607) 566-2234

Hainesinc@aol.com hainesequipment.com

Lee Shuknecht & Sons 4458 Ford Road Elba, NY 14058 (585) 757-6628 mail@shuknecht.com shuknecht.com

Onion Harvesters, Grading, Topping, Packing, Sizing, Sorting

SYMACH Palletizers

315 27th Ave NE Minneapolis MN 55418 (612) 760-8864

marco.maljaars@bwpackaging.com symach.nl/en/ Specialists in onion palletizing, pallet wrapping, and conveying systems

ThorPack

W6788 5th Avenue Road Bryant, WI 54418 (715) 627-7333 thorpack.com

Top

Air, Inc.

101 N. Roswell Blvd. Parma, ID 83660 (208) 722-6936

info@topairinc.com topair.ag Vertical elevators

Van Doren

East Wenatchee 10 NE Cascade Ave East Wenatchee, WA 98802 (509) 886-1837

www.vandorensales.com Custom Produce Handling Solutions

Yakima, WA 1211 Alder St #100 Union Gap, WA 98903 (509) 469-9006

Grand Rapids, MI 5311 Plainfield Ave. NE Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 316-3980

Volm Companies volmcompanies.com

Antigo, WI

(Corporate Headquarters) 1804 Edison St., Antigo, WI 54409 (800) 253-4737

Idaho Falls, ID 3721 W 65th South Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-0600

Pasco, WA

5702 Industrial Way Suite 101 Pasco, WA 99301 (509) 547-3437

Fresno, CA 3440 S East Ave. Suite 104 Fresno, CA 93725 (800) 253-4737

Monte Vista, CO 1100 S County Road 3 E Monte Vista, CO 81144 (800) 253-4737

Brantford, Canada 173 Garden Ave. Brantford, Ontario N3S 0A7 (905) 648-7300

Yakima Label

1601 W. Pine Street Union Gap, WA 98903 (509) 955-8400

josh@yakimalabel.com yakimalabel.com

Custom packaging labels

COVErS

Redwood Empire Awning Co.

3547 Santa Rosa Ave.

Santa Rosa, CA 95407

(707) 588-9900

mike@redwoodempireawning.com

redwoodempireawning.com

Equipment covers

JDC Extraction

527 W. McGregor Drive, Suite 527

EQUIPME nt

handlInG

Eqraft Inc.

info@eqraft.com

eqraft.com

Haines Equipment, Inc.

P.O. Box I, 20 Carrington Street

JDC Extraction

527 W. McGregor Drive, Suite 527 Boise, Idaho 83705 (208) 577-5375

jdcextraction.com

Kerian Machines

P.O. Box 311, Grafton, ND 58237 (701) 352-0480

sales@kerian.com

kerian.com

Kerian Speed Sizer

Lee Shuknecht & Sons 4458 Ford Road

2026 Buyers’ Guide

handlInG (COnt.)

Volm Companies

volmcompanies.com

Antigo, WI

(Corporate Headquarters)

1804 Edison St., Antigo, WI 54409 (800) 253-4737

Idaho Falls, ID 3721 W 65th South Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-0600

Pasco, WA

5702 Industrial Way Suite 101 Pasco, WA 99301 (509) 547-3437

Fresno, CA 3440 S East Ave. Suite 104 Fresno, CA 93725 (800) 253-4737

Monte Vista, CO 1100 S County Road 3 E Monte Vista, CO 81144 (800) 253-4737

Brantford, Canada

173 Garden Ave. Brantford, Ontario N3S 0A7 (905) 648-7300

Eqraft Inc.

info@eqraft.com

eqraft.com

EQUIPME nt

L&M Specialty Fabrication, LLC

4868 East Saile Drive

Batavia NY 14020 (585) 283-4847

turbotop@lmspecfab.com turbotopharvester.com

Turbo Top self-propelled and pulled-type harvesters

Lee Shuknecht & Sons

4458 Ford Road Elba, NY 14058 (585) 757-6628

mail@shuknecht.com shuknecht.com

Onion Harvesters, Grading, Topping, Packing, Sizing, Sorting

Nicholson Equipment

5050 W. 72nd Street

Fremont, MI 49412 (231) 924-6454

sales@nicholson-equipment.com nicholson-equipment.com

Field toppers, windrowers, harvesters, top-tailers

Top Air, Inc.

101 N. Roswell Blvd. Parma, ID 83660 (208) 722-6936

info@topairinc.com topair.ag

Univerco (1978) Inc

713 RTE 219

Napierville, QC Canada J0J 1L0 (450) 245-7152

univerco.com

One-row and two-row onion harvesters

One- to three-row onion windrowers

Top Air, Inc.

101 N. Roswell Blvd. Parma, ID 83660 (208) 722-6936

info@topairinc.com topair.ag

Eqraft Inc. info@eqraft.com eqraft.com

Haines Equipment, Inc.

P.O. Box I, 20 Carrington Street Avoca, NY 14809 (607) 566-2234

Hainesinc@aol.com hainesequipment.com

Top Air, Inc.

101 N. Roswell Blvd. Parma, ID 83660 (208) 722-6936 info@topairinc.com topair.ag

PlantErS

Gearmore, Inc. 13477 Benson Ave. Chino, CA 91710 (800) 833-3023

sales@gearmore.com gearmore.com

Lee Shuknecht & Sons 4458 Ford Road Elba, NY 14058 (585) 757-6628

mail@shuknecht.com shuknecht.com

Stahay Planter Authorized Dealer

PlantErS (COnt.)

Mel Beck Precision Planter s LLC

214 Thunderegg Blvd. Nyssa, OR 97913 (541) 372-3532

rbeck@fmtc.com precisionplanters.com

Multi-line planters since 1956

Milton Planters

101 N. Roswell Blvd. Parma, ID 83660 (208) 722-6936 info@topairinc.com topair.ag

Monosem Inc.

1001 Blake Street Edwardsville, KS 66111 (913) 438-1700

monosem-inc.com

Custom Planters Built-to-Order

Top Air, Inc.

101 N. Roswell Blvd. Parma, ID 83660 (208) 722-6936

info@topairinc.com topair.ag

Carbon Robotics

2211 Elliott Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 486-4766 carbonrobotics.com

AI Robotics for Farming

PrOCESSInG

Chinook Equipment Inc.

P.O. Box 15554

Boise, ID 83715 (208) 331-1126

chinookequipment@gmail.com chinookequipment.com

EQUIPME nt

Eqraft Inc.

info@eqraft.com eqraft.com

Haines Equipment, Inc.

P.O. Box I, 20 Carrington Street Avoca, NY 14809 (607) 566-2234

Hainesinc@aol.com hainesequipment.com

JDC Extraction

527 W. McGregor Drive, Suite 527 Boise, Idaho 83705 (208) 577-5375 jdcextraction.com

Kerian Machines

P.O. Box 311, Grafton, ND 58237 (701) 352-0480 sales@kerian.com kerian.com

Lee Shuknecht & Sons

4458 Ford Road, Elba, NY 14058 (585) 757-6628

mail@shuknecht.com shuknecht.com

Onion Harvesters, Grading, Topping, Packing, Sizing, Sorting

M & P Engineering Ltd

5050 W. 72nd Street Fremont, MI 49412 (231) 924-6437

sales@mpspares.com mpspares.com

Onion peeling machines for fresh cut and process applications. Single machines or complete lines are available.

Van Doren

East Wenatchee 10 NE Cascade Ave East Wenatchee, WA 98802 (509) 886-1837

www.vandorensales.com Custom Produce Handling Solutions

Yakima, WA 1211 Alder St #100 Union Gap, WA 98903 (509) 469-9006

Grand Rapids, MI 5311 Plainfield Ave. NE Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 316-3980

Volm Companies

volmcompanies.com

Antigo, WI (Corporate Headquarters) 1804 Edison St., Antigo, WI 54409 (800) 253-4737

Idaho Falls, ID 3721 W 65th South Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-0600

Pasco, WA 5702 Industrial Way Suite 101 Pasco, WA 99301 (509) 547-3437 Fresno, CA 3440 S East Ave. Suite 104 Fresno, CA 93725 (800) 253-4737

Monte Vista, CO 1100 S County Road 3 E Monte Vista, CO 81144 (800) 253-4737

Brantford, Canada 173 Garden Ave. Brantford, Ontario N3S 0A7 (905) 648-7300

2026 Buyers’ Guide

EQUIPME nt

SCalES / WEIGhInG

Eqraft Inc.

info@eqraft.com eqraft.com

Volm Companies volmcompanies.com

Antigo, WI

(Corporate Headquarters)

1804 Edison St., Antigo, WI 54409 (800) 253-4737

Idaho Falls, ID 3721 W 65th South Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-0600

Pasco, WA

5702 Industrial Way Suite 101 Pasco, WA 99301 (509) 547-3437

Fresno, CA

3440 S East Ave. Suite 104 Fresno, CA 93725 (800) 253-4737

Monte Vista, CO 1100 S County Road 3 E Monte Vista, CO 81144 (800) 253-4737

Brantford, Canada

173 Garden Ave.

Brantford, Ontario N3S 0A7 (905) 648-7300

SIZInG / SOrtInG

Haines Equipment, Inc.

P.O. Box I, 20 Carrington Street Avoca, NY 14809 (607) 566-2234

Hainesinc@aol.com hainesequipment.com

Kerian Machines

P.O. Box 311 Grafton, ND 58237 (701) 352-0480

sales@kerian.com kerian.com

Lee Shuknecht & Sons

4458 Ford Road, Elba, NY 14058 (585) 757-6628

mail@shuknecht.com shuknecht.com

Onion Harvesters, Grading, Topping, Packing, Sizing, Sorting

Unitec USA

California

310 N. Cluff Ave., Suite 117 95240 Lodi CA

Washington

2623 Euclid Ave., Suite B 98801 Wenatchee WA (209) 369-6200

unitec.usa@unitec-group.com unisorting.com

Unisorting is a brand of UNITEC, an international group with over 100 years of history specialized in designing and manufacturing innovative solutions for processing, sorting, quality selection and packing of fruits and vegetables.

Volm Companies volmcompanies.com

Antigo, WI (Corporate Headquarters) 1804 Edison St., Antigo, WI 54409 (800) 253-4737

Idaho Falls, ID 3721 W 65th South Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-0600

Pasco, WA

5702 Industrial Way Suite 101 Pasco, WA 99301 (509) 547-3437

Fresno, CA

3440 S East Ave. Suite 104 Fresno, CA 93725 (800) 253-4737

Monte Vista, CO

1100 S County Road 3 E Monte Vista, CO 81144 (800) 253-4737

Brantford, Canada

173 Garden Ave.

Brantford, Ontario N3S 0A7 (905) 648-7300

SPraYErS

Ecorobotix Inc.

3030 Travel Plaza Way Pasco, WA 99301-5680

sales@ecorobotix.com ecorobotix.com

ARA Precision Sprayer. ARA is an AI-powered Ultra-High Precision Sprayer for Vegetable Crops, Meadows and Lawns

Eqraft Inc.

info@eqraft.com eqraft.com

Lee Shuknecht & Sons

4458 Ford Road

Elba, NY 14058 (585) 757-6628

mail@shuknecht.com shuknecht.com

Onion Harvesters, Grading, Topping, Packing, Sizing, Sorting

Top Air, Inc.

101 N. Roswell Blvd.

Parma, ID 83660 (208) 722-6936

info@topairinc.com topair.ag

THE XTR - NOW AVAILABLE IN 34” & 68” BED MODELS

4 x 34” AND 2 x 68” MODELS | HIGH PERFORMANCE ROTARY CUTTING SYSTEM

OUTPERFORMS IN THE MOST CHALLENGING HARVEST CONDITIONS | UNMATCHED CAPACITY AND RELIABILITY

/ DIGGERS

EFFICIENT UNDERCUTTING AND WINDROWING

• RIGID FRAME + FOLDING MODELS IN A WIDE RANGE OF CONFIGURATIONS

TOPPER WINDROWERS

LIFTERS / DIGGERS TOPPER

LOADERS

AND CURE ONIONS IN WINDROWS

TOP AND CURE ONIONS IN WINDROWS

•

• HIGH CAPACITY

• HIGH CAPACITY • GENTLE HANDLING

• GENTLE HANDLING

• STANDARD + XL MODELS

LEADING CAPACITY FOR OPERATIONS OF ALL SIZES

INDUSTRY LEADING CAPACITY FOR OPERATIONS OF ALL SIZES

• LOAD UP TO 3.5 TONS /MIN

• SUPERIOR TOPPING + DIRT ELIMINATION

2026 Buyers’ Guide

MISC.

aUCtIOnEErS

Booker Auction Co.

31 Eltopia West Road Eltopia, WA 99330 (509) 297-9292 bookerauction.com

COnSUltInG laBS

Western Laboratories, Inc. 211 W Highway 95 Parma, Idaho 83660 (208) 649-4360 westernlaboratories.com

IrrIGatIOn

Clear water Supply

Columbia Basin

1086 South 1st Ave., Othello, WA 99344 (509) 488-5793

Treasure Valley 2232 SW 4th Ave., Ontario, OR 97914 (541) 889-0007

Precision ag drip irrigation design and service featuring the special commodities: onions, asparagus, blueberries, corn, hops, lavender, melons, mint, nurseries, peppers, shallots, squash, and vines

POllInatIOn CaGES

Redwood Empire Awning Co. 3547 Santa Rosa Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 588-9900 mike@redwoodempireawning.com redwoodempireawning.com

Seed cage covers & frames, pollination cages and frames

SEED ENHANCING PROCESS

NOW ALSO AVAILABLE FOR ONION

To produce a healthy, uniform crop, it is essential that young plants get a strong start. That’s why we developed the innovative B-Mox® seed enhancing process.

provides stronger, more uniform germination strengthens the plant in the earliest stage stimulates better root development reduces risks for growers in the vulnerable early growth stage makes plants more resilient throughout the growth period is permitted for use in organic agriculture

B-Mox® is available for onion, carrot, and rooted parsley, and always offered in combination with priming technology.

International research trials have shown that our priming technology enhanced with B-Mox® gives an improvement over standard priming, as seen in the development of the crop. Many growers have already experienced the advantages of B-Mox®, with stronger and more uniform crops and higher packout. Bejo Seeds Inc. (main office) 1972 Silver Spur Pl. Oceano, CA | T: 805- 473-2199 | E: info@bejoseeds.com

bejoseeds.com Exploring nature never stops

INJECT-O-METER MFG. CO., INC.

820 Thornton Clovis, NM 88101 (800) 545-4440

820 Thornton Clovis, NM 88101 (800) 545-4440 www.inject-o-meter.com

KNUDSEN IRRIGATION, INC.

www.inject-o-meter.com

2700 W. 2100 S. Aberdeen, ID 83210 (208) 397-4300

KNUDSEN IRRIGATION, INC.

BEltS / ChaIn / rOllErS / EtC.

2700 W. 2100 S. Aberdeen, ID 83210 (208) 397-4300

Haines Equipment, Inc.

98 Fort Hall Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 (208) 226-7777

P.O. Box I, 20 Carrington Street Avoca, NY 14809 (607) 566-2234 Hainesinc@aol.com hainesequipment.com

LINDSAY CORPORATION

2222 N. 111th St. Omaha, NE 68164

LINDSAY CORPORATION

2222 N. 111th St. Omaha, NE 68164 www.zimmatic.com

www.zimmatic.com

Kerian Machines

NEBRASKA IRRIGATION, INC.

P.O. Box 311

NEBRASKA IRRIGATION, INC. Columbus, NE Rexburg, ID Dodge City, KS (800) 397-1100

www.hainesequipment.com Hainesinc@aol.com

Grafton, ND 58237 (701) 352-0480 sales@kerian.com kerian.com

www.nebraskairrigation.com

Columbus, NE Rexburg, ID Dodge City, KS (800) 397-1100

www.nebraskairrigation.com

VALLEY EQUIPMENT & IRRIGATION

EQUIPMENT

VALLEY EQUIPMENT & IRRIGATION

Lee Shuknecht & Sons

398 W. Hwy. 39 Blackfoot, ID 83221 (208) 785-7017

DIKERS/ CULTIVATORS/RIPPERS

2012 Milestone 72”

DIKERS/ CULTIVATORS/RIPPERS

2005 Spudnik 9060 Cult. Shaper diker

2004 Spudnik 9060 Cult. Shaper diker

2012 Milestone 72”

2000 Better Built 60” 3ph

Russets,refurbished

HARVESTERS 4 ROW

www.valleyequip.valleydealers.com

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.

2004 Spudnik 9060 Cult. Shaper diker

1990 Ag Engineering tillage master 6 row

2000 Better Built 60” 3ph Russets,refurbished

1993 Milestone 60” single phase

4458 Ford Road Elba, NY 14058 (585) 757-6628 mail@shuknecht.com shuknecht.com

1990 Ag Engineering tillage master 6 row

13 shanks hyd reset basket rollers

Brent 7 shank disc ripper

1993 Milestone 60” single phase

1992 Better Built 48” Eskel

13 shanks hyd reset basket rollers

VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.

Brent 7 shank disc ripper

P.O. Box 358 7002 N. 288th St. Valley, NE 68064 (402) 359-2201 www.valmont.com

WAREHOUSE

Onion Harvesters, Grading, Topping, Packing, Sizing, Sorting

Noffsinger

P.O. Box 358 7002 N. 288th St. Valley, NE 68064 (402) 359-2201 www.valmont.com

WESTERN STATES

CIRCUIT BREAKERS, INC.

500 6th Ave., P.O. Box 1150 Greeley, CO 80632 (970) 352-0463 or (800) 525-8922 Menahga, MN: (218) 564-5149 Filer, ID: (208) 326-4306 noffsingermfg.com

CIRCUIT BREAKERS, INC. 1498 Curtis Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 523-0237

1498 Curtis Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 523-0237

www.westernstatescircuitbreaker.com

Product: Circuit breakers & starters

SPRINKLERS

B.A. FISCHER SALES CO., INC.

WAREHOUSE

Ernst 48” sizer

Mayo Water Recycler

Flat conveyors different dimensions

AG-Pak Bagger AP-60

Flat conveyors different dimensions AG-Pak Bagger AP-60

PILERS

1999 Spudnik 560, 36”, 3ph,

1996 Double L 831,36”, 3ph, remote

1991 Spudnik 550, 36” single phase

1988 Double L 813, 30”, 3ph

1991 Spudnik 550, 36” single phase

1988 Double L 813, 30”, 3ph

1984 Double L 813, 30”, 240 volt 3ph

1983 Spudnik 450,36”, 3ph

1981 Spudnik 400,30”x 45’ tel 3 ph

EVEN FLOW

1992 Spudnik 600cwt

1997 Agritech 90cwt

1997 Davis 300 cwt

Homebuilt 500cwt 240 volt 3ph

1992 Better Built 48” Eskel DUSTERS /TREATERS

DUSTERS /TREATERS

2012 Better Built CDT 12’ x 12”

2008 Milestone 42” Barrel Duster

1991 Better Built CDT 10’x8” 1ph

1989 Better Built CDT 10’x8” 1ph

PLANTERS

2008 Lockwood 6 row pick

2007 Spudnik 8040 cup 4rw hyd

2004 Spudnik 8060 cup 6rw mech

2003 Spudnik 8040 cup 4rw mech

2005 Underhaug 6 row new style, hydr. 34”

1998 Kverneland 3300 cup 6 row mech

2005 Underhaug 6 row new style, hydr. 34”

1998 Kverneland 3300 cup 6 row mech

1995 Kverneland 3200 cup 4 row

Holland 4row Transplanter 3pt

1995 Kverneland 3200 cup 4 row

Holland 4row Transplanter 3pt

PLANTER FILLERS/TARE PILER

1990 Spudnik 800, Honda motor

1980 Spudnik 800 conveyor Piler 30” x 40’ Spudnik Tube 16” x 20’, 1ph

Homemade 20”x 30’ 3ph

1980 Spudnik 800 conveyor Piler 30” x 40’ Spudnik Tube 16” x 20’, 1ph Homemade 20”x 30’ 3ph

2178 Centurion Pl. Boise, ID 83709 (208) 375-1411

CLOD HOPPERS

Top Air, Inc.

www.bafischer.com

2178 Centurion Pl. Boise, ID 83709 (208) 375-1411 www.bafischer.com

CLOD HOPPERS

2012 Harriston 4240, 3ph

TELESCOPIC CONVEYORS

2000 Spudnik 1250, 30/36/85 3ph

Product: Aqua Burst sprinklers

101 N. Roswell Blvd. Parma, ID 83660 (208) 722-6936 info@topairinc.com topair.ag

2012 Harriston 4240, 3ph

2011 Harriston 4 drum 200, 3ph

2008 Harriston 240 finger table 3ph

2003 Harriston 240 ellis table 1ph

2010 Harriston 3 drum 240, 3 drum, 3ph

1998 Spudnik 1255, 30/36/85 3ph

1996 Milestone 30”/36”/60’ 3ph

1994 Milestone 30”/36”/85’ 1ph

1983 Double L 810, 30” x 50’, 3ph

2001 Harriston 160/60” finger table, 3ph

1994 STI 30” x 72’ 3ph,

DOUBLE M AG & IRRIGATION 522 Lincoln St. American Falls, ID 83211 (208) 226-2555

www.doublemsupply.com

2001 Harriston 160/60” finger table, 3ph

1995 Harriston 200/80” finger table, 3ph

DIRT ELIMINATOR / COLLECTOR

2001 Milestone 60” hang on 3ph

2002 Spudnik 900, 72” 3ph

1989 Spudnik 900/60” 3ph

1994 STI 30” x 72’ 3ph,

1979 Milestone 24/28”x40’ 1ph

1990 Spudnik 30”/36” x 85’3ph Recond.

1980 Spudnik 1200, 30”x50’3ph

PORTABLE CONVEYORS

2012 Logan Scale 36” x 17’ 3ph

Product: Spudnik, Zimmatic

GOLDEN WEST IRRIGATION

291 E Stanley St. Idaho Falls, ID 83401

291 E Stanley St. Idaho Falls, ID 83401 208-524-3203

208-524-3203

1997 Davis 60”, 220 volt 1ph

SIZER ELIMINATORS

2011 Logan 84” Dirt Elim./Sizer,

2010 Logan 72” Dirt Elim.,Sizer 3ph,

1998 Milestone 72” sizer 3ph

1998 Spudnik 995 DES 72” 3ph

1996 Spudnik 910 48”

2000 Spudnik 36” x 40’ tip dwn 3ph

1998 Spudnik 1230, 30”x40’ 3ph

1998 Spudnik 36” x 20’ side shift 3ph

1995 Double L 809 30” x 38’ 3ph

1992 Spudnik 1200 30”x40’ 3ph

1991 Milestone 30” x 30’ 3ph

1994 Doubel L 808, 30” x 25’, Davis 36” x 20’ chain hydr 1ph

Rexburg, ID (208) 356-9318

1996 Spudnik 995/72” 3ph

1984 Spudnik 925 48” 1ph

STINGER/ PUPS

1994 Doubel L 808, 30” x 25’, Davis 36” x 20’ chain hydr 1ph

SCOOPERS

1996 Spudnik 150, 30” belt chain 3ph

KNUDSEN IRRIGATION, INC.

2010 Logan 42” Telescopic belt 3ph

2700 W. 2100 S. Aberdeen, ID 83210 (208) 397-4300

1999 DL 832 BC/fingers 3ph

1988 Spudnik 2200 Belt 30”x10’ 3ph

SEED CUTTERS

1974 Spudnik 100, 24” 1ph Spudnik 24” 3ph

1996 Spudnik 150, 30” belt chain 3ph 1974 Spudnik 100, 24” 1ph Spudnik 24” 3ph

TRAILERS

1991 Farmbed 48’/25” 3 axle

1991

98 Fort Hall Ave. American Falls, ID 83211 (208) 226-7777

2013 Better Built 72” Russets or rounds 3 cut

2026 Buyers’ Guide

OnIOn SEEd

American Takii, Inc.

301 Natividad Road

Salinas, CA 93906 (831) 443-4901 takii.com

Head of National Sales: Greg Hardison (831) 756-7053 - ghardison@takii.com

East Coast / Canada: James Young (269) 945-7799 - jyoung@takii.com

West Coast: Trace Pafford (559) 326-3545 - tpafford@takii.com

West Coast: Robert Sanchez (559) 469-6520 - rsanchez@takii.com

Southwest U.S.: Matthew Leonard (760) 756-8188 - mleonard@takii.com

National Vegetable Sales Manager: Mitchell Young (603) 393-3488 - myoung@takii.com

Bunching, short day, intermediate, long day and overwintering onion seed

BASF | Nunhems

Sales Specialists

Brett Ross (208) 504-9154 brett.ross@basf.com

Oregon, Idaho, Utah & CO

Grant Aitken (209) 712-3665 grant.aitken@basf.com

California & Nevada

Kevin Moe (509) 975-6762 kevin.moe@basf.com

Columbia Basin WA & Western OR

Mark Walton (840) 242-4439 mark.walton@basf.com

California

Sarah Beaver (208) 550-5565 sarah.beaver@basf.com

Oregon & Idaho

Product Development

Michael Straugh (208) 249-5942 michael.straugh@basf.com

Product Specialist - Americas Region

Main Office

BASF | Nunhems

1200 Anderson Corner Road Parma, Idaho 83660 (208) 674-4000

nunhemsusa.com

Dealers

Stokes Seeds

Bruce Ulmer (570) 560-8525 bulmer@stokeseeds.com

Northeast TS&L Seeds

Norman Linkenhoger (956) 578-4505 normanl@tslseed.com

Texas, New Mexico

Johnny's Selected Seeds (877) 564-6697

johnnyseeds.com

Gowan Seed Company

Larry Duell (970) 397-8566 lduell@gowanseed.com

Colorado

Gowan Seed Company

Daniel Eggert (585) 613-5297 degert@gowanseed.com

Northeast

Bejo Seeds, Inc.

1972 Silver Spur Place

Oceano, CA 93445 (805) 473-2199

bejoseeds.com

Bunching, intermediate, long day, and short day for both conventional and organic operations

Cora Seeds s.r.l.

Via Boscone, 1765/A 47522 Cesena (FC) coraseeds.com

Short day, intermediate and long day yellow, white, red and pink onion seed

Official distributor:

Keithly-Williams Seeds www.keithlywilliams.com

Washington, Oregon: Josh Carter (509) 492-0408

Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah: Joshua Robertson (208) 473-9437

Colorado, New Mexico: Todd Carter (817) 881-1524

California: Tyler Richardson (209) 685-0391

Dillon Knight (661) 868-9315

David Del Papa (559) 960-1321

East Coast: Matt Dicori (760) 427-7746

Crookham Company, Inc.

P.O. Box 520

Caldwell ID 83606-0520 (208) 459-7451

ccoinfo@crookham.com crookham.com

West Coast, Midwest and International Representative: Lyndon Johnson (208) 369-3390 lyndonj@crookham.com

East Coast Representative: Luther McLaughlin (208) 789-4254 - lutherm@crookham.com

DP Seed LLC

345B Nutmeg Road South South Windsor, CT 06074 (928) 341-8494

info@dpseeds.com

dpseeds.com

Bunching, short-day, intermediate, long-day and overwintering seed

SEE d

OnIOn SEEd (COnt.)

Enza Zaden USA, Inc.

7 Harris Place Salinas, CA 93901 (855) 800-ENZA (3692) customer.service@enzazaden.com enzazaden.us

From Seed to Solution

Gowan Seed

Brian Haddon (971) 282-2884 - Western OR & WA

Jimmy Graton (805) 305-5447 - Columbia Basin

Curtis Mokler (509) 820-8489 - Columbia Basin

Wade Schwark (209) 607-2870 - Treasure Valley, UT & ND

Larry Duell (970) 397-8566 - Colorado

Jeremy Toney (928) 580-1967 - Imperial Valley

Christophe Veron (956) 802-3478 - Texas & Tamaulipas

Russ Brown (559) 799-0799 - San Joaquín Valley

Thomas Vaz (559) 410-0001 - San Joaquín Valley

Tom Boschee (209) 607-8517 - Stockton

Greg Patti (575) 202-2250 - New Mexico

Cameron Cruz (956) 280-3950 - Rio Grande Valley, TX

Eddie Vernor (830) 279-8970 - Winter Garden, TX

Tom Toole (616) 326-5557 - Midwest

Derek Levy (912) 433-4752 - Vidalia Region

Josh Heller (717) 940-5440 - Northeast

Dan Eggert (585) 613-5297 - Northeast

Hazera Seeds

3155 S.W. 10th Street Suite L Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 (954) 429-9445

info@hazera.us.com hazera.us.com

West Coast Sales Manager

Barry Younkin (559) 217-9417

Seedway

seedway.com

“Bunching, long day, short day.”

Zane Beams

ID, UT, NV, and ND (208) 941-1421 / zbeams@seedway.com

Donavin Buck

WA, Western OR & British Columbia (509) 820-9887 / dbuck@seedway.com

Kenny Nakamura CO, ID & UT (208) 550-7733 / knakamura@seedway.com

Daniel Babshoff

Central CA, Nothern CA & HI (559) 246-8507 / dbabshoff@seedway.com

Joe Allegranza AZ, NM & Southern CA (760) 791-0325 / jallegranza@seedway.com

Seminis

800 North Lindbergh Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63167 (866) 334-1056

onionexperience.com

Sales

Central Valley, CA

David Scheidt (559) 367-7080

Desert Southwest

Christian Drye (928) 318-0067

Pacific Northwest

Richard Navarrete (208) 317-6451

Texas

Zachary Fawcett (956) 530-4973

2026 Buyers’ Guide

SEEd CaGES

Redwood Empire Awning Co.

3547 Santa Rosa Ave.

Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 588-9900

mike@redwoodempireawning.com redwoodempireawning.com

Seed cage covers & frames, pollination cages & frames

SEEd trEatMEntS

Cor teva Agriscience Indianapolis, IN corteva.us

Lumiverd insect control

Germains Seed Technology

8333 Swanston Lane

Gilroy, CA 95020

Jeff Fletcher (979) 481-0037

jfletcher@germains.com germains.com

Seed Dynamics, Inc.

1081-B Harkins Road

P.O. Box 6069, Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 424-1177

seeddynamics.com

Germains Seed Technology

8333 Swanston Lane

Gilroy, CA 95020

Jeff Fletcher (979) 481-0037

jfletcher@germains.com germains.com

Seed Dynamics, Inc.

1081-B Harkins Road

P.O. Box 6069

Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 424-1177 seeddynamics.com

SEEd COatInG / PEllEtInG

Germains Seed Technology

8333 Swanston Lane

Gilroy, CA 95020

Jeff Fletcher (979) 481-0037

jfletcher@germains.com germains.com

Gowan Seed

Brian Haddon (971) 282-2884 - Western OR & WA

Jimmy Graton (805) 305-5447 - Columbia Basin

Curtis Mokler (509) 820-8489 - Columbia Basin

Wade Schwark (209) 607-2870 - Treasure Valley, UT & ND

Larry Duell (970) 397-8566 - Colorado

Jeremy Toney (928) 580-1967 - Imperial Valley

Christophe Veron (956) 802-3478 - Texas & Tamaulipas

Russ Brown (559) 799-0799 - San Joaquín Valley

Thomas Vaz (559) 410-0001 - San Joaquín Valley

Tom Boschee (209) 607-8517 - Stockton

Greg Patti (575) 202-2250 - New Mexico

Cameron Cruz (956) 280-3950 - Rio Grande Valley, TX

Eddie Vernor (830) 279-8970 - Winter Garden, TX

Tom Toole (616) 326-5557 - Midwest

Derek Levy (912) 433-4752 - Vidalia Region

Josh Heller (717) 940-5440 - Northeast

Dan Eggert (585) 613-5297 - Northeast

Seed Dynamics, Inc.

1081-B Harkins Road

P.O. Box 6069

Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 424-1177

seeddynamics.com

Seedway

seedway.com

“Bunching, long day, short day.”

Zane Beams

Skagit Seed Services, Inc.

17297 Hulbert Road

Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 466-3191

skagitseedservices.com

Seed coatings and treatments formulated for the needs of onion growers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Germains Seed Technology 8333 Swanston Lane

Seed Dynamics, Inc.

1081-B Harkins Road

P.O. Box 6069, Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 424-1177

seeddynamics.com

Skagit Seed Services, Inc.

17297 Hulbert Road

Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 466-3191

skagitseedservices.com

Seed coatings and treatments formulated for the needs of onion growers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

2026 Buyers’ Guide

S h IPPE r S

Harris Fresh Inc.

Columbia Basin Onion, LLC

P.O. Box 1191

78727 Westland Road Hermiston, OR 97838 (541) 667-9472

columbiabasinonion.com Conventional & Organic Onions

Gumz Farms

N570 6th Court

Endeavor, WI 53930 Main Office (608) 981-2488 gumzfarmswi.com

Owners

Roderick Gumz and Richard Gumz

Onion and Potato Sales

Doug Bulgrin

Cell (608) 697-6775 doug@gumzfarmswi.com

Tom Bulgrin Cell (608) 697-2137 tom@gumzfarmswi.com

Ryan Bulgrin Cell (608) 566-6736

ryan@gumzfarmsllc.com

Gumz Farms is a 4th Generation farm that is proud to offer Wisconsin grown yellow and red onions and red and yellow potatoes. We are your Midwest connection and pack produce year round.

26062 Fresno-Coalinga Road Coalinga, CA 93210 (559) 884-2236

Fax: (559) 884-2219 harrisfresh.com

Paradigm Fresh

260 Barlow Road Fort Morgan, CO 80701 (970) 775-2049

paradigmfresh.com

john@paradigmfresh.com

Potandon Produce LLC

1210 Pier View Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-1900

potandon.com

Exclusive marketer of Green Giant fresh potatoes and onions.

Shuman Farms

278 Hwy. 23 South Reidsville, GA 30453 (912) 557-4477

marketing@shumanfarmsga.com shumanfarmsga.com

Industry-leading, year-round grower and shipper of premium sweet onions.

Southern

Produce Packing & Sales, LLC

569 DeWitt Tatum Road Reidsville, GA 30453 (912) 654-0000

info@southernpropack.com

Grower, shipper, packer of Georgia Grown watermelons, eastern veg, and year-round premium sweet onions

Vidalia Sweet Produce LLC

1764 Ronny Collins Road Cobbtown, GA 30420 (912) 684-2272 (912) 684-4545

vidaliasweetproduce.com

Certified Women Owned

Smart Onion Storage Solutions

Optimal air circulation

Humidity control that works

Energy efficient

Plug and play

Why settle for traditional methods when you can store smarter?

DRIVING EFFICIENCY, ENSURING QUALITY

2026 Buyers’ Guide

S t O ra GE

ChEMICalS FOr StOraGE

Volm Companies volmcompanies.com

Antigo, WI

(Corporate Headquarters)

1804 Edison St., Antigo, WI 54409 (800) 253-4737

Idaho Falls, ID 3721 W 65th South Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-0600

Pasco, WA

5702 Industrial Way Suite 101 Pasco, WA 99301 (509) 547-3437

Fresno, CA

3440 S East Ave. Suite 104 Fresno, CA 93725 (800) 253-4737

Monte Vista, CO 1100 S County Road 3 E Monte Vista, CO 81144 (800) 253-4737

Brantford, Canada

173 Garden Ave. Brantford, Ontario N3S 0A7 (905) 648-7300

Agri-Stor Companies

(208) 733-7000

agri-stor.com

For 65 years, Agri-Stor Companies has been trusted for solving post-harvest storage challenges. With our quality chemistries and expertise in custom application techniques, your stored product will have the best opportunity to stay healthy throughout the long storage season. Agri-Stor carries quality disinfectants for onions utilizing hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid to protect your storage and your produce from bacteria and fungi. The Company also carries a full line of organic products. Agri-Stor has the application expertise to handle a wide variety of crop protection solutions. Visit our website for all the details.

Industrial Ventilation, Inc.

723 E. Karcher Road

Nampa, ID 83687 (208) 463-6305

ivi-air.com

Agri-Stor Companies

(208) 733-7000

agri-stor.com

Agri-Stor Companies helps growers take control of their onion storage with the Agri-Star Panel – the most user-friendly, advanced control panel on the market. Features include a full color, interactive touch screen, easy to understand programming, and historical graphing capabilities. The panel can handle everything from curing mode and burners to temperature, airflow, carbon dioxide levels, and more. The intuitive app allows for off-site storage monitoring and controls management for peace of mind and to save travel time. When growers match the Agri-Star Panel with Gellert’s Climate Control Equipment, their onions are wrapped in the perfect climate, extending their life and quality. Visit our website for more information.

Industrial Ventilation, Inc.

723 E. Karcher Road

Nampa, ID 83687 (208) 463-6305

ivi-air.com

Tolsma USA (208) 488-2071

DrewWelch@tolsmagrisnich.com tolsmagrisnich.com

We combine market research and agronomic expertise to develop onion varieties that people love.

Managing Maggots

By Leonardo Salgado, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Entomology, Cornell University

The onion maggot (Delia antiqua) and seedcorn maggot (Delia platura) are among the most problematic insect pests in onions early in the season. Heavy infestations can reduce plant stands by up to 100% if not managed.

The onion maggot has three generations annually, with thirdgeneration larvae overwintering in the soil as pupae. Flies emerge from pupae in late April or May, mate, and lay eggs at the soil base of onion plants. The onion maggot’s life cycle ranges from 37 to over 60 days, including three instars and a pupal stage.

The seedcorn maggot has three to five generations per year, but the initial generations tend to be more numerous and problematic during spring. It lays

eggs in decaying organic matter. The seedcorn maggot’s lifecycle is notably shorter, lasting from 19 to 36 days. Young onion seedlings are especially vulnerable to first-generation larvae of both these insects because onion plants are more susceptible at an early stage. The onion maggot and the seedcorn maggot have different life histories. The onion maggot is a specialist that feeds only on plants in the onion family, such as onion, garlic, leek and chives. Leek, chive and garlic are less preferred by onion maggot than onion. In contrast, the seedcorn maggot is a generalist that feeds on a wide variety of crops such as beans, peas, corn, soybean, cucumber, melon, potato in addition to all of the crops listed above in the onion family. Both pests attack allium crops throughout the northern onion production areas in the U.S. and worldwide, but differ in abundance and pest status within each region. Larvae feed on the below-ground parts of the onion plant, which can kill the plant or render it unmarketable.

There is no curative treatment for the onion maggot and seedcorn maggot because once damage occurs, nothing can be done; therefore, management relies on preventive tactics. Maggot management is achieved through chemical, biological and cultural control practices. Some of these management practices are not economically practical in commercial-scale onion production but could be effective on small diversified farms.

Chemical Control

Control of the maggot complex (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in onions is mainly achieved using seed treatments and transplant tray drenches in transplanted onions.

Foliar sprays have been used to target adult flies before oviposition, but this tactic is not effective because flies disperse and avoid insecticide exposure. To control maggots, various insecticide

seed treatments can be used. These include spinosad, a natural substance derived from a soil bacterium that serves as an insecticide for maggots; cyromazine, an insect growth regulator used to control fly larvae; and three neonicotinoids: thiamethoxam, clothianidin and imidacloprid, which are synthetic insecticides designed to mimic nicotine, a naturally plant molecule found in tobacco. Additionally, the effectiveness of an insecticide seed treatment may vary depending on the local prevalence of onion maggots and seedcorn maggots. Any time you use a pesticide, you must read and follow the label directions and comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to pesticide use. Also, be sure that any pesticide used is approved for use in your country and state/province.

Biological Control

Around 100 species of beetles in the rove beetle (Staphylinidae) and ground beetle (Carabidae) families are generalist predators of eggs and larvae of fly adults. There are also organisms called “nematodes” that are microscopic, worm-like animals that can infect maggots in onions and are commercially available. Some species may be compatible with soil-applied insecticides, but others are not. Soil conditions likely impact the performance of nematodes. Finally, three groups of fungi, (Metarhizium spp., Beauveria bassiana and Entomophthora muscae,) are responsible for infecting and killing maggots in onions. However, fungal isolates tend to cause less mortality of larvae than adults. All are commercially available. An antagonistic effect is likely between entomopathogenic fungi and fungicides used to manage onion plant diseases.

Now, based on all this information, use the clues to complete the crossword puzzle.

Onion Insect Quiz

Use the information in the Managing Maggots article to complete this crossword puzzle.

ACROSS

2. A natural substance derived from a soil bacterium that can be used as an insecticide for maggots

4. A cultural control practice that can reduce maggot risk if new fields are over a mile from old ones

7. Microscopic creatures that look like worms, such as Steinernema feltiae, that can be used for the biological control of maggots

8. Rove _____ are generalist predators of maggot eggs and larvae

9. A biological control method where organisms like Beauveria bassiana infect and kill maggots is called entomopathogenic _________

11. A generalist maggot species that is a pest on a wide variety of crops such as beans, peas, corn, soybeans, cucumber, melon, potato and onions

DOWN

1. A vegetable crop often attacked by maggots

3. Applying a protective chemical to seeds before planting

5. A specialist maggot species that feeds only on plants like onion, garlic, leek and chives

6. The life stage in which third-generation onion maggots overwinter in the soil

10. A chemical substance used to kill insects

This material is provided courtesy of Leonardo Salgado, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Entomology, Cornell University.

12. An insect growth regulator used to control fly larvae answers on page 34

Prime Conditions for Powdery Mildew

Story and photos by Denise Keller, Editor

Toward the end of July this year, Washington State University (WSU) plant pathologist Lindsey du Toit began hearing from onion growers reporting powdery mildew in their Columbia Basin onion fields. By the time the annual WSU Onion Field Day rolled around on Aug. 28, powdery mildew incidence in the Columbia Basin was the highest du Toit has seen in her 25 years of working with onions in the region. At the field day, she took the opportunity to educate attendees about powdery mildew development, symptoms and management.

WSU plant pathologist Lindsey du Toit points out symptoms of powdery mildew on an onion plant.

Field day attendees listen to presentations from researchers.

disease development

Powdery mildew, a disease favored by high relative humidity, is typically unproblematic in the Columbia Basin because of the region’s low humidity and infrequent rainfalls. However, weather this summer was unusual, including a milder July followed by a warmer August. Warm days alternating with cool nights in late summer, combined with a dense crop canopy, can result in higher relative humidity, driving the disease.

“There’s a huge benefit to growers in the western U.S. where you have the ability to control the moisture with irrigation, when it goes on and how much goes on,” du Toit said. “When we have humidity like this, you start to get a little taste of what East Coast and Midwest growers have to deal with in terms of disease pressure.”

du Toit discussed factors that can further impact onions’ susceptibility to powdery mildew including method of irrigation. The disease is typically more

severe in drip-irrigated and furrowirrigated fields and is seldom seen in overhead-irrigated onions because powdery mildew fungi are not favored by “free moisture” on the leaves, only by high humidity.

Susceptibility varies widely among onion cultivars. However, glossy-type varieties tend to be more susceptible because they have less epicuticular wax on their leaves. Similarly, regularly treating onions with insecticides and adjuvants that remove some of the waxes from onion leaves can make plants more susceptible to infection. du Toit mentioned a 2006 drip-irrigated onion trial evaluating thrips insecticides, in which every plot treated with insecticide developed powdery mildew whereas all of the non-treated plots did not.

“It was a real wakeup call about the extent to which some of our insecticide applications are stripping waxes off the leaves, increasing the risk of diseases like powdery mildew. I’m not saying don’t

The WSU onion cultivar trial included 44 entries from five seed companies.

Copperstone from Hazera Seeds is on display at the cultivar trial.

spray for thrips, but be aware there are consequences from using all those sprays in terms of removing waxes from the leaves,” du Toit said, adding that she has observed similar responses to herbicide applications by other fungi that can infect onion leaves.

Early symptoms of powdery mildew can include sunken, white, oblongcircular lesions that initially could look like symptoms of iris yellow spot. As powdery mildew progresses, powdery white growth can start to develop on the leaves.

disease Management

To help prevent the development of powdery mildew, du Toit recommended orienting rows into the primary wind direction, whenever feasible, especially when planting a more susceptible variety. This can increase airflow through the canopy between beds, greatly reducing humidity and disease pressure. She also reminded growers to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, minimize a crop’s moisture stress and incorporate crop residue into the soil after harvest.

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A field day attendee inspects onions grown in the cultivar trial.

Symptoms of powdery mildew include white, oblong-circular lesions on the leaves of onion plants.

When needed, onion growers have access to a variety of registered fungicides in different FRAC groups to help control powdery mildew, du Toit noted. Fungicides in FRAC groups 1, 3 and 11 tend to be effective and have locally systemic movement, which is important because this particular powdery mildew pathogen grows inside leaves, not just on the surface. In contrast, all other powdery mildew fungi grow on the surface of leaves and stems.

To decide if it’s justified economically to try to manage the disease with fungicide applications, growers should consider the factors that increase the risk of powdery mildew, du Toit said, including weather conditions, irrigation, cultivar, and pesticide usage. Growers should also consider how much longer the crop will be growing to assess the potential impact on bulb size and yield, as well as whether they are making any late-season fungicide applications to control other diseases such as Botrytis neck rot or black mold, as the products used for these are usually combinations of FRAC groups 7 and 11 that also help control or prevent the spread of powdery mildew.

Field day attendees view results of the onion cultivar trial.

In a subsequent report at the field day, du Toit spoke about black mold, which was also favored by the warm weather conditions in the Columbia Basin this August. Black mold began appearing in area onion fields in late August, and researchers are anticipating it could be a problem this year in storage. Infections start in the field, but often remain latent, so the disease may not be discovered until harvest or in storage.

Onion bulbs from a trial evaluating products to control Fusarium basal rot show early symptoms of the disease.

Vive Expands leadership team

Vive Crop Protection has made several key leadership changes, bringing on board two new employees and promoting a pair from within.

The company has hired Lana Green as national account manager. Green has a background in agricultural sales and distribution at companies including FMC and Syngenta. She will lead Vive’s distribution network in the United States and develop and execute distribution strategies and large account management plans.

Steve Eskelsen has joined the company as northern technical sales agronomist, bringing a Ph.D. in horticulture crop science and pest management, as well as agronomic expertise and technical support experience. He will lead field trials and oversee agronomic recommendations, data generation and training.

In addition, Jonathan Adamson has been promoted to regional account manager, while Greg Esco, previously the eastern U.S. sales manager, has been promoted to U.S. sales leader.

The smallest difference leads to

Crookham reveals new Varieties

Story and photos by Kris Crookham, Crookham Company

At the 2025 Crookham Onion Reveal in August, the Idaho-based seed producer introduced new varieties to growers in Wilder, Idaho. We caught up with Lyndon Johnson, sales development manager at Crookham, to get the story on the new offerings, including two new mild yellows and a new red.

Delightful is a new intermediate-day yellow from Crookham that will be available for the 2026 planting season. It features a couple of traits that may have inspired its name.

Developed for northern latitudes, Delightful matures in 105 to 108 days. It does have some daylight sensitivity, so it needs to be planted early. Growers should shoot for planting anywhere from March 15 to April 10. This new variety is particularly mild. Johnson has tested it over the last three years, confirming pyruvate levels in the high threes to low fours. It also has high sugars, from 8.5% to 9%.

“It’s very, very mild. And it also stores. You can store Delightful probably until Thanksgiving, maybe almost up to Christmas,” Johnson said.

The other “delightful” trait of this variety is high yield. In the Columbia Basin of Washington, test plots produced 57 tons per acre. That translates to 1,150 100-pound bags an acre, exemplary for an intermediate.

“A tearless onion out of the ground,” is how Johnson describes OIYS19-980, the company’s other new yellow. This 108- to 110-day late intermediate sweet is currently unnamed, but will be named by the time commercial seed is available in August 2027. Crookham’s testing revealed this new variety is very low in pyruvates and methyl thiosulfinates. And with a lachrymatory factor (LF) of 0.05%, it is not only sweet but virtually tearless.

Sarah Kiser, Anita Kiser and Gema Navarrete offer hats, coffee, doughnuts and burritos to attendees at the Crookham Onion Reveal in Wilder, Idaho.

Tantrum has a beautiful, dark red color, consistent from bulb to bulb.

Crookham’s new early long-day red onion, Tantrum, will have plenty of highquality seed available in 2026. Tantrum matures in 112 days and features a deep, striking internal and external color, consistent from bulb to bulb, making it perfect for retail.

“Tantrum has high-definition color between rings, all the way to the center, and it colors up upon maturity. So you don’t have to wait for it to color up after harvesting,” Johnson explained.

There are also two new Vidalia varieties that will be available for planting in 2026. Both 4021 and 4022 are early maturing, so growers can start shipping on Vidalia’s pack date. 4022 is a traditional flat-top, but 4021 is a deeper, more rounded bulb that produces more yield per acre.

Growers can visit crookham.com to learn more about these new varieties as well as the company’s established products like Caliber, Defender and Epic. The site includes videos, growing guidelines and other pertinent information to growers, including disease resistance.

UNITED STATES

MEXICO

California (661) 699-0055

Lancaster & San Joaquin Valley (661) 978-5342

Irapuato

+52 (462) 220-0453

Torreón, Coahuila (461) 117-3878

Desert Southwest (928) 446-7737

California, New Mexico (661) 300-9109

Colorado & New Mexico (970) 396-9728

Southern California, Arizona (760) 791-0325

Idaho, East Oregon, Utah & Nevada (208) 941-1421

Colorado (208) 550-7733

Idaho, Eastern Oregon, Utah, Nevada, North Dakota (208) 941-1421 (208) 550-7733

Skagit Valley, Washington (360) 941-7503

Rio Grande Valley & West Texas (956) 618-5574

Washington, Western Oregon (509) 820-9887

Texas (956) 618-5574

Torreon +52 (461) 117-3878

Colima, Col. (461) 104-0134

San Luis Potosi (461) 140-9452

Chihuahua +52 (648) 109-1597

San Luis Potosi

Chihuahua (461) 171-9401

+52 (449) 196-1848

Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas (461) 134-2421

+52 (461) 346-1531

Irapuato, Gto. (461) 546-5792

Colima +52 (461) 104-0134

Lyndon Johnson (left) shows off Crookham’s new intermediate, Delightful, at the Onion Reveal. Delightful is very mild with terrific yield.

CalEndar

Nov. 19-20

Pacific northwest Vegetable association Conference and trade Show

Three Rivers Convention Center Kennewick, Wash.

Sheri Nolan, (509) 585-5460 or www.pnva.org

Nov. 30 - Dec. 5

nOa annual Convention Royal Sonesta Hotel Kaua'i, Hawaii www.onions-usa.org

Dec. 9-11

Great lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo DeVos Place Conference Center Grand Rapids, Mich. www.glexpo.com

SeedlingNeedOnions a Hero

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The Gearmore Precision Vacuum Planters are designed for extremely accurate seed placement. We custom build planting systems to growers individuals requirements. The AI-640-SNT-2-27 Modular Frame Planter has been the go-to choice for successful onion farmers in the Western United States and Canada for more than 35 years, featuring frames that range from 25” to 65” in width.

The SNT-2-110 Planter is designed for double line sowing and features two seeding units for each planter frame. This unit can be equipped with as many planter frames as needed.