Seed onions lag behind in growth

The seed onions on the Dutch plots are breaking through, but strong growth is not in sight. The onion seeds are having a hard time due to the low temperatures and longing for normal spring weather.

On the onion plots of the Boerenbusiness Crop tour, the seedbeds are generally in good shape. Most growers are satisfied with the germination of the seeds. Unfortunately, the growth of the seed onions is disappointing. The young onion shoots lack strength due to the low temperature. The crop protection will continue. Weeds are well suppressed on the plots.

Weeds are under pressure
The growers participating in the Gewastour carried out spraying this week, because weeds continue to grow well even at low temperatures. On the plot in Eenrum, the onions are on top. Dirk Binnema took a quick look at the onion field between the potato legs. "Today (April 29) the onions were sprayed with 0,3 Emblem and 0,1 Starane Top. If the ground is black next week, we will see what needs to be done."

Spraying was also carried out on the plot in Nagele: "We were able to spray 0.1 liters of Emblem and 0.1 liters of Basagran before the rain. In the afternoon, the weather forecast shows 25 millimeters," reports grower Harm Jan Hospers on Thursday morning. satisfied with the emergence, but also noticed little growth in the onions: "The onions will come through, although not everything is on top yet. A small crust formed, but after the rain that is no longer a problem. I am confident in that it will be an excellent turnout.'

Large variation in growth stages on Crop Tour plots
On the plot in Kortgene, the onions are now in the flag stage. Grower Klaasjan Boer sees his seed onions - just like the other crops - struggle with the cold: 'I am happy that the onions are upstairs, but there is a lack of real growth. The soil has always remained nicely moist, but that way you can see what the temperature is doing.'

On the field in Dronten, the seed onions are still not on top after almost a month. The plot was sown April 2 and is still germinating. Jaco van Biesheuvel knows why: 'We sowed at the deep end and it is still quite cold here. The ground can't warm up like that.'

Jesse Torringa

Jesse is an editor at Boerenbusiness and focuses in particular on the arable farming sector, including grain and onions. He also closely follows the fertilizer market. In addition, Jesse works on an arable farm in Groningen with seed potatoes as the main branch.

j.torringa@boerenbusiness. Nl

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