Assessing Biocontrols for Pink Root Mitigation and Yield Impact in Onions
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Thanks to the generous support of the members of the New York Onion Research and Development Program (ORDP) board, Ethan Grundberg and Amara Dunn began evaluating commercially available plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and biofungicides for potential suppression of pink root and impact on yield in transplanted bare root 'Highlander' onions during the 2018 growing season. As discussed in the proposal for "Assessing Biocontrols for Pink Root Mitigation and Yield Impact in Onions", few conventional fungicides are labeled for pink root management in New York and even fewer are labeled for use as pre-plant dips for bare root transplanted onions. The goal for the first year of research on this project was to screen a large number of what were broadly designed as biological products, many of which are already being used by onion growers, in order to narrow the focus of future research efforts to find solutions for managing pink root in transplanted onions.
Assessing Biocontrols for Pink Root Mitigation and Yield Impact in Onions (pdf; 514KB)
- Onion Research and Development Program, 2018-2019 Progress Report

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Ag Labor Road Show IX
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In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
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December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
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December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
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Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
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Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
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Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
