VHI is a proxy characterizing vegetation health by combining moisture and thermal conditions. If the indices are below 40 indicating different level of vegetation stress, losses of crop and pasture production might be expected; if the indices above 60 (favorable condition) plentiful production might be expected. VH (VHI, VCI, TCI) is very useful for an advanced prediction of crop losses.

• Howard Schwartz - Colorado

  June 5, 2013 - Warm, dry conditions persist but storms are forecasted for June throughout eastern and southern Colorado. The seeded and transplanted crops are beginning to catch up due to warmer conditions during late May.

  
  
• Chris Cramer - New Mexico
  

  June 7, 2013 - The autumn-sown crop is progressing well, and harvesting has begun in some locations. Bulb yields and quality should be good as environmental conditions have been ideal. The spring-sown crop is also progressing well, and harvest will begin in the coming weeks. Temperatures have increased to the high 90s, but this is normal for this time of year. No significant precipitation is forecasted for the next two weeks. Thrips pressure is moderate and being managed well locally.

  
  
• Dan Drost - Utah
  

  June 19, 2013 - Plant growth considered normal with plants in the 6-7 leaf stage. Growers happy with growth so far and many are beginning to think about thrips sprays as pest numbers increase (1-3/plant). Transplanted onions (limited acreage) more advanced and early bulbing occurring (swelling noted).

  
  
• Lindsey du Toit - Washington
  

  June 5, 2013 - Onion planting is finished. Crops in the south Columbia Basin mostly at the 4-6 leaf stage, and in the north Basin at the 2-4 leaf stage. Thrips are starting to develop, but populations are still relatively low (0-3/plant). Growers continue to report developing problems with Rhizoctonia stunted patches. Some herbicide injury reports from growers. Widely fluctuating temperatures in April and May appear to have stressed some crops across the Basin, resulting in chlorotic yellow banding.

  
  
• Mary Hasubeck
  

  May 29, 2013 - Early planted onions in the southern part of Michigan were at one to two leaves, while onions in the northern part of Michigan were at the radical and flag leaf stage. Warm temperature followed by windy cold conditions occurred in May. Frost damage has been seen in some fields. Smut was detected in some onion seedlings grown in fields located in southern Michigan fields.

  
  
• Krishna Mohan
  

  June 5, 2013 - Onion crop development is normal, mostly 5 to 6 leaf stage. Low levels of thrips infestation. No significant disease or pest problems. A few fields show herbicide-related damage.

  
  
• Brian Nault
  

  June 6, 2013 - Onion crop is good. Direct-seeded fields are in the 2-3 leaf stage, while transplanted ones are in the 4 to 9 leaf stage. Temps have been variable; rainfall above average. Maggot damage is starting to appear in untreated onions; insecticide seed treatments are performing well. Thrips pressure is very low in all fields. Botrytis leaf blight is common in nearly all fields and growers have initiated spray programs.

  
  

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