Nice weather coming up for onion fields?

Friday, June 21 was the longest day of the year. Bulb formation has been observed on a number of plots, but this is not yet going fast. The onion plots in the east of the Netherlands are currently being irrigated and the first thrips spraying has taken place on the plot in Kortgene (Zeeland).

A long day has a positive influence on the start of bulb formation. However, the temperature is also one important factor. On the other hand, there were also regular long day lengths before and after Friday 21 June. High temperatures are expected in the coming days. These 2 factors can be beneficial for a good start of bulb formation. 

Fourth and fifth pipe 
On 4 plots of the Gewastour, the onions are now in the fourth or fifth pipe. The onions are developing well on the plot in Dronten (Flevoland). The plot was hoeed in week 25. For the time being there seems to be enough moisture present and there is no question of sprinkling yet.

Sufficient moisture also appears to be present on the onion plot in Kimswerd (Friesland). Over 105 millimeters of precipitation fell in the region last month. The onion plot in Tollebeek (Flevoland) also does not need to be irrigated for the time being. 75 millimeters of precipitation fell here last month. 

Irrigate
On the other hand, only barely 50 millimeters fell on the plot in Zweeloo (Drenthe) over the past month. That is why on Monday, June 24, this Gewastour plot was irrigated for the first time. On the somewhat 'higher ridges' the onions seem to have a harder time due to the soil herbicide. In addition, the heat from the irrigation will penetrate further into the soil and the top layer will cool down a bit.

The onion plot in Oeffelt (North Brabant) was irrigated on Friday 21 June. About 15 millimeters was administered. The onions on the plot are in the fifth to sixth pipe.

Trips 
The first thrips spraying within the Gewastour is now a fact. The thrips spraying took place on Thursday 20 June on the plot in Kortgene (Zeeland). A few thrips were found. "But it really took some searching," says the grower. Nevertheless, the grower is happy that he has already been able to spray before the warm weather sets in.

On the plot in Tollebeek (Flevoland), the grower remains alert to thrips, because reports have already been made in the application. Spraying in this type of weather can be a limitation, because the sprayers will mainly be active in the evenings.

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