launch of unique research program

If we look ahead to for example the year 2050, in which 10 billion people will consume on average 15 kilos of onions per capita, then it is safe to assume that around 2 million tons of onions will be exported from the Netherlands. A considerable part of those onions will continue to be the authentic Holland Onion.

The Dutch onion strongly differentiates itself on the world stage with its shiny, firm skin. But this distinctive character can only remain sustainable if the superior quality and long storage life can also be guaranteed in the long term. It is precisely with that purpose in mind that we have launched a new research program unique in the global world of onions.  Under the flag of the Holland Onion Association we created project Uireka, a large-scale and long-term integral research program lasting three years. The total project costs amount to 2 million Euro for the next 3 years and it is our intention to continue the research program after that.

In light of the unique freshness of the Holland Onions hazardous storage diseases such as neck rot and fusarium are at the top of the list to be addressed. An important part of the efforts of 2017 are to be directed towards these spearheads. For fusarium fundamental research is being done into the prevention and the development factors of this soil disease. They are looking into the DNA of various types of fusarium as well as possible trends that could give a lead regarding effective prevention.

Neck rot is another priority that is a great threat to the unique freshness of the Holland Onion. An important instrument in the battle against this is the discovery of effective means and finding the right storage regime. They will also be looking into the very first signs of neck rot infection in the field by testing the plant at a genetically molecular level.

Both of these spearheads for the first year of research will be executed by different knowledge partners under the supervision of Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Besides the theme ‘diseases and plagues’  we will also be looking at ‘fertilization’ -and ‘starting material’. With respect to this last theme the first research results were recently presented while the Provincial Executive of the province of Zeeland, Jo-Annes de Bat, launched the new website https://www.uireka.nl.