Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #209312

Title: Short-term storage options for fresh-market onions

Author
item SHREFLER, JAMES - OSU, LANE, OK
item Perkins Veazie, Penelope
item TAYLOR, MERRITT - OSU, LANE, OK
item GOODSON, TONY - OUS, LANE, OK

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/31/2007
Publication Date: 4/30/2007
Citation: Shrefler, J., Perkins Veazie, P.M., Taylor, M., Goodson, T. 2007. Short-term storage options for fresh-market onions [abstract]. HortScience. 42(4):1020.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sweet onions have proven to be an excellent spring specialty crop in southeastern Oklahoma. Growers are interested in fuel-efficient methods of short term storage (up to 6 months) to lengthen market windows and enhance returns. Onions were seeded in high tunnels in November of 2005, transplanted to the field in March of 2006, and harvested, graded and weighed in July. Onions were classified as 3-4 or >4 inches in diameter. Bulbs were cured prior to placement in storage regimes of 2-3C, 24C, or ambient outdoor conditions (protected from rain and direct sun exposure). Onions were checked for decay, sprouting, and weight loss every two weeks over a 6 month storage period. The effects of these storage regimes on decay, sprouting and weight loss for 3 onion cultivars will be presented.