IEO growers meeting brings hundreds to forum
IEO growers meeting brings hundreds to forum
A gathering of some 400 growers and interested parties turned out Feb. 6 for the annual Idaho-eastern Oregon growers meeting in Ontario, OR.
Held at the Four River Cultural Center, the daylong event incorporated a trade show with numerous work sessions and panel discussions.
According to Sherise Jones, marketing director of the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee, a luncheon also provided the opportunity to present industry awards, hold marketing order elections and provide an overview of the National Onion Association's promotions program. Ms. Jones also presented a promotions committee report during the morning session.
John Wong, sales manager of Champion Produce in Parma, ID, announced this year's Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Hall of Fame, noting that each recipient had contributed a lifetime of service to the industry. Ed Muir was lauded by the gathering for his dedication to onion growing, and posthumous recognition went to George Tamura, S.P. Bybee and Sam E. Hartley.
Borrowing from the popular game show "Family Feud," a special "Onion Growers Feud" was hosted by Marc Bybee of Fiesta Farms and Ms. Jones, both of whom were dressed in splendid disco fashion.
On a more serious note, workshops held at the event covered a variety of topics, including an explanation of the biology and ecology of onion thrips by Brian Nault of Cornell University in Geneva, NY. The life cycle of thrips and how different temperatures affect the insects' population growth were highlighted.
Hanu Pappu of Washington State University in Pullman discussed tospoviruses, specifically Spotted Wilt and Iris Yellow Spot, two volume- affecting viruses that threaten onions. And Lynn Jensen, Extension agent and potato-onion specialist for Malheur County, explained the importance of nozzle type in applying pesticide to thrips.
Mike Thornton of the University of Idaho's research and Extension center in Parma explained the role of plant health in Iris Yellow Spot. Clint Shock of Oregon State University's experiment station for Malheur County also discussed how different onion varieties perform under pressure from Iris Yellow Spot.
Afternoon sessions included discussions of drip irrigation productivity using AuxiGrow and successful use of Nortron herbicide, which was recently cleared for onions. Research on Yellow Nutsedge was also covered.
Held at the Four River Cultural Center, the daylong event incorporated a trade show with numerous work sessions and panel discussions.
According to Sherise Jones, marketing director of the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee, a luncheon also provided the opportunity to present industry awards, hold marketing order elections and provide an overview of the National Onion Association's promotions program. Ms. Jones also presented a promotions committee report during the morning session.
John Wong, sales manager of Champion Produce in Parma, ID, announced this year's Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Hall of Fame, noting that each recipient had contributed a lifetime of service to the industry. Ed Muir was lauded by the gathering for his dedication to onion growing, and posthumous recognition went to George Tamura, S.P. Bybee and Sam E. Hartley.
Borrowing from the popular game show "Family Feud," a special "Onion Growers Feud" was hosted by Marc Bybee of Fiesta Farms and Ms. Jones, both of whom were dressed in splendid disco fashion.
On a more serious note, workshops held at the event covered a variety of topics, including an explanation of the biology and ecology of onion thrips by Brian Nault of Cornell University in Geneva, NY. The life cycle of thrips and how different temperatures affect the insects' population growth were highlighted.
Hanu Pappu of Washington State University in Pullman discussed tospoviruses, specifically Spotted Wilt and Iris Yellow Spot, two volume- affecting viruses that threaten onions. And Lynn Jensen, Extension agent and potato-onion specialist for Malheur County, explained the importance of nozzle type in applying pesticide to thrips.
Mike Thornton of the University of Idaho's research and Extension center in Parma explained the role of plant health in Iris Yellow Spot. Clint Shock of Oregon State University's experiment station for Malheur County also discussed how different onion varieties perform under pressure from Iris Yellow Spot.
Afternoon sessions included discussions of drip irrigation productivity using AuxiGrow and successful use of Nortron herbicide, which was recently cleared for onions. Research on Yellow Nutsedge was also covered.
