Idaho Onion Growers Have Until Saturday To Dump Culls

The deadline for the disposal of cull onions in Ada, Canyon, Gem, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington counties is Saturday March 15th.  According to the The Idaho State Department of Ag, under the Rules Governing the Disposal of Cull Onions and Potatoes, all cull or waste onions not suitable for human consumption must be disposed of by an approved method prior to March 15th each year.  After March 15th, onions that are sorted must be disposed of within one week.

ISDA inspectors will monitor disposal sites to ensure that culls are properly disposed of. Approved disposal methods include pit burial, feeding, composting, spreading, chopping and shredding. The University of Idaho’s Best Management Practices for Pit Disposal of Cull Onions is referenced in the rule and is available through UI Extension.

The purpose of the disposal deadline is to protect the onion industry from onion maggot.  Onion maggot is a fast-reproducing pest that damages onion crops. Its larvae feed on the roots of germinating seedlings and later on expanding bulbs, which can severely reduce onion yields. Feeding damage also provides an avenue for pathogens to rot bulbs during storage.

For more information on cull onion disposal, contact the Idaho State Department of Agriculture at (208) 332-8620.

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