Summer Onion Output Inches Up

WASHINGTON - Oct 4/06 - SNS -- Summer storage onion production is forecast at 50.3 million hundredweight (cwt), up less than 1% from last year, according to the USDA's latest production estimates.

Storage onion harvested area is forecast at 109,650 acres, up 3% from 2005. California production, at 13.2 million cwt, is 12% above 2005. Harvested area is expected to be 31,500 acres, up 13% from last year.

Planting of California's storage onion crop was delayed due to rainfall. After planting, early mild temperatures and timely rains helped the crop to progress well. Some mildew problems were reported due to wet conditions. July's high heat reduced some yields.

In Colorado, the crop experienced hot and dry conditions throughout the season. Damage from thrips was reported towards the end of the growing season, but it seems that it was late enough that the yields weren't affected. Idaho's yield and production are below last year due to late planting, extreme heat, and disease pressure.

In Michigan, the onion crop is in fair condition. The start of harvest was delayed due to rainy weather. No major problems have been reported. New York received excessive rains and heat in all onion growing areas of the State. This resulted in loss of acreage and lower onion quality.

Malheur and other Oregon producers report that yields are low due to an extremely wet spring coupled with hot temperatures in July and yellow spot virus. Harvest is expected to be complete in Malheur County by October 25th. Other areas of the State will be completed by October 8th.

In Washington, a wet spring followed by a very hot summer contributed to less than optimal growing conditions for onions. Wisconsin's hot and dry conditions contributed to lower yields this year.

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