Cooperative
Extension Service
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
The University of Georgia
George
Boyhan, Extension Horticulturist-Vegetables
East Georgia Extension Center
Rosenwald Building, Third Floor
PO Box 8112
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA 30460
912-681-5639 | 912-681-0376, Fax | 912-682-3481,
mobile
The USDA had announced new national standards to define what is organic production. You may remember that the USDA had proposed such standards two years ago. At that time, organic growers were very upset with the proposal. Three elements in particular were very controversial, including the use of municipal sludge, transgenic or genetically modified organisms, and radiation. All three are now forbidden in the new rules.
Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman announced the new rules March 7. The rules are now open for comment for the next 90 days. It is believed the industry will accept these new rules without much controversy.
These rules are voluntary. USDA standards allow producers to adopt a national standard so buyers know what they are buying. These rules -- if and when they are adopted -- will allow organic growers to expand their markets, particularly across state lines.
Georgia does not have any such rules; but, with the adoption of national standards, Georgia is sure to follow suit. Georgia Organics, Inc., will probably end up being the certifying agency for Georgia. For more information on the national standards, visit the web site: www.ams.usda.gov/nop
On March 16, the University of Georgia hosted the Vidalia Onion Committee for a presentation of research efforts, field day and supper. Several of the researchers conducting work at the Vidalia Farm gave presentations to the group on current research as well as future plans. The winter at the farm has been relatively dry, but on the day of this field day, it rained 2 inches. Needless to say, we were unable to visit the plots and look at the work.
The VOC held their meeting at the Warden's Guest House, where I presented our ideas concerning the Vidalia onion variety evaluations. As you may remember, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has changed the rules, so they have control over which varieties can be labeled as "Vidalia" onions. The University of Georgia is to make recommendations after a three-year trial period for each new variety. Since this will legally restrict which varieties can be grown, we decided to take a minimalist approach, not wanting to scare off the seed companies while still having some control over quality in the marketplace. We proposed that the pungency be below 5.0 um/gfw using the pyruvate scale, the width to height ratio be no less than 1.0, and taste panel testing be conducted to determine acceptability. These criteria may change, particularly as we learn more about onion flavor. Both Dr. Bill Randle with UGA and Dr. Norman Schmidt with GSU are working in this area.
The Department of Corrections arranged a supper at the Warden's Guest House, which was attended by about 30 people associated with UGA, VOC and the Department of Corrections.
Phosphorus, among the primary nutrients for plant production, tends to be high or very low in Coastal Plain soils that have been under cultivation for extended periods of time. Application timing has never been an issue with phosphorus as it has been with nitrogen and potassium. Timing will, however, be critical during cool weather. Phosphorus is important for good root development, among other things. Because of this, phosphorus is recommended at transplanting or, in some cases, at seeding. Although many of our soils are high in phosphorus, it may not be readily available to vegetables, particularly small seedlings. This is primarily a temperature-related issue. Many vegetables are seeded or transplanted in early spring when soil temperatures are particularly low. High phosphorus fertilizers or so-called "pop-up" fertilizers can be particularly effecting in getting plants started during times when soils are cool.
These pop-up fertilizers will not work nearly as well or at all during the warmer months, such as during the setting of transplants or seeding in late summer for fall production. Winter crops in general may respond favorably with applications of high phosphorus fertilizers.
Two common high phosphorus fertilizers used to help with seedling growth or winter production are 10-34-0 and 18-46-0. The 10-34-0 is a liquid fertilizer that can be added to starter solutions at transplanting or injected into center pivot systems. The rate to use for transplanting is about 3 lbs. per 50 gals. of water. Three pounds would be about 1/3 of a gallon. The 18-46-0, also referred to as DAP, is diammonium phosphate. This dry material can be broadcast or banded at time of transplanting and seeding.
Phosphorus deficiency is evident as a purple or reddish hue to the affected plant. It can be particularly evident during cool temperature. Even though the soil may have adequate amounts of phosphorus, the plants will still exhibit the symptoms under these conditions. As the temperature warms, the effects of phosphorus deficiency will often reverse themselves.
From
My DeskLast month I had an article in my newsletter on the history of Vidalia onions called "Where Did Vidalia Onions Come From?" This article was based on information from Onion World, February 2000.
Well, spring has sprung in South Georgia. The onion crop still looks very good; however, incidence of some diseases has increased. Harvesting should begin in the next two to four weeks. The total acreage for this year is a little more than 14,000 acres.