The Northern Cape onion production area of South Africa is an important and integral part of the onion supply chain. Starke Ayres is committed to meeting growers’ needs with respect to variety choice and to this end continues to trial and introduce new genetics to the region. Each year extensive semicommercial trials are planted in order to thoroughly test optimal sowing slot, disease resistance, yield and quality of any candidate variety. Storability of bulbs is becoming an important factor as it allows flexibility in marketing and is also included as a selection parameter. This ongoing work allows Starke Ayres to offer growers in the region the widest choice of reliable varieties in each segment.
Your local Sales Representatives should be consulted regarding optimal sowing dates for each variety.