June 21 2006, 13:05

Odesa producers expect onion harvest to be good this year

Major part of onion acreage was planted by seed method; the condition and vegetation of this crop are very good, according to information of Valentina Kotsur, the Agronomist of Odesa office, Agricultural Marketing Project (AMP). At this period of time past year a false mildew outbreak occurred; this year the condition is quite better. Drier weather contributed to it, as well as more accurate implementation of plant protection program by the producers. At present moment 7th and 8th leaves are developed. This points to the fact that yield can potentially be high. If plants stand diseases' attack further and have not less than 7 healthy leafs, the bulb onion will weigh up to 150 g due to the sufficient irrigation. And, all producers may have average onion yield higher than a year ago.

Several farmers used winter onion of Bejo company (Muzika and Radar hybrids) for the first time past year. Despite of severe frosts which reached -28°С this winter, the mentioned varieties survived quite well, if covered with snow or protected from wind. Onion was harvested in the end of first decade - beginning of second decade of June in the southern oblasts. The producers mention good quality of onion bulbs; they were able to sell early onion for $0.74-0.98/kg in wholesale. Early winter onion is expected to ripen mid June - early July in the northern rayons of Odesa oblast.