Increase Onion Area in United States

WASHINGTON - Apr 3/06 - SNS -- Onion growers in the United States plan to seed 171,100 acres this year, up 1% from last year, according to the USDA.

Spring onions will be harvested from 37,900 acres in 2006, up 7% from 2005. Georgia and Texas combined production is forecast at 8.09 million cwt, 18% above last year. Summer non-storage onion planted acreage, at 20,500 acres, is virtually unchanged from a year ago. Total summer onion acreage, at 130,900 acres, is up 1% from the previous year.

In California, planting of spring onions began in most areas by early November under good conditions. Above normal temperatures stimulated development and the crop is anticipated to be early in some areas. Other locations reported mild temperatures and good planting conditions. Onion fields show good stands in many areas in response to recent rains.

In Georgia, rainfall during the winter months has been near normal. Heading into spring the State has adequate moisture levels. Temperatures generally have been near normal to slightly above normal during winter. The crop is doing well and disease problems are minimal. Harvest will begin in early April and is expected to peak by the end of April. Irrigation in Georgia has been minimal.

In Texas, dry weather has resulted in an increase in irrigation cost, however, crop quality and yield have also improved from a year ago. Disease and pest problems are minimal. Cold weather in February aided vernalization and improved this year's yield.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here