Zev Clerx, buyer at Waterman Onions and seller of onion seed at Uienzaadonline.nl, discusses the status of the onions in storage this month. “The onions have arrived beautifully in the first half of the harvest season.”

In an earlier article, Zev’s colleague Jelmer said that this growing and harvesting season was one of many challenges. “Despite the initial challenges, many onions have arrived beautifully in the first half of the harvest season. Also, the onions which arrived in the first week of October had a nice colour.” Zev thinks that onions from clay soils (light to medium and occasionally in Northern clay soils) now show more fusarium in the storage. “There have been many reports of anticipation of the fusarium problems, and the onions at many places look good in the storage.”

Fewer bacteria in the onion storage

“We also see fewer bacteria in the onion storages than in actual years.” Which is very positive for storing, says Zev. Nevertheless, the buyers see that onions from Eastern sandy soils experience relatively more pressure from watery scales, possibly caused by the heavier growth stress that has had an impact locally. “Also, due to stress around the moment of application of the MH (Maleic Hydrazide), despite some parties, we had a defeated intake of the MH. We often also see that such a batch becomes concerning.”

Conducting premature quality check

According to Zev, the average tare is higher than in the developed months, but Zev says: “Due to this year’s prices, a grower can pay much attention to the parties, not to save on ventilation and to check frequently. With or without the four-eyes principle. If the problems are major, it can pay to check manually or to put the batch in boxes for the wall.”

It is a logical consequence that onions become less qualitative when stored. Still, Zev advises that growers can prevent their batches from being sold to alternative destinations by conducting a premature quality selection of the sets. Within Waterman Onions, growers can have the lot prematurely checked on the quality. Waterman has the necessary machines and space to organise. For those possibilities, but also for a storage check, growers can contact our buyers.

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