Ensuring Future Economic Viability of US Short-day Onion Production Through Mechanical Harvesting
USDA-NIFA SCRI # 2023-51181-41172
Short-day onions, grown in the southern United States, are for the fresh and sweet market class. High moisture and low dry matter content are potential factors for high bruise damage in this market class. Traditionally, manual harvest has been utilized to minimize bruise damage. A high cost and shortage of farm workers are among the reasons for the crop’s acreage decline. The industry wants to transition to mechanical harvest to sustain and increase in short-day sweet onion acreage.
The project is funded by the USDA-NIFA (FY 24 to 28) and unites four key short-day onion-producing states—Texas, Georgia, New Mexico, and California—to develop a sustainable, efficient, and economically viable mechanical harvesting system for short-day onions. This initiative aims to empower growers and packers with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive market by integrating advanced cultivars, optimized harvest systems, and improved production practices,.
The project has the following four key objectives:
Objective 1 – Identify machines and practices that result in an economically viable mechanical harvesting system
Objective 2 – Evaluate germplasm and standard management practices for mechanical harvesting
Objective 3 – Engage and involve stakeholders in project planning and outcomes
Objective 4 – Conduct an economic analysis of harvesting management practices and analysis of adoption barriers
Team members
Texas A&M University: Subas Malla (PD), Stephen Searcy (Co-PD), Juan Anciso, Francisco Abello, and Larry Stein
University of Georgia: Bhabesh Dutta, Md Sultan Mahmud, Theodore McAvoy, Esendugue Greg Fonsah, Angelos Deltsidis
New Mexico State University; Christopher Cramer
University of California: Philip Waisen
