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Abstract
This two-year study (2023–2024) at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center investigated how planting density and nitrogen application rates impact Vidalia onion production. The study assessed three planting densities (58,000, 87,000, and 116,000 plants/acre) and three nitrogen rates (80, 100, and 120 lb/acre). Higher planting densities improved marketable yield and increased the production of jumbo-sized onions, although they resulted in fewer large-sized bulbs. The interaction between nitrogen rates and planting density affected dry weight yield, with ideal nitrogen rates of 100 to 120 lb/acre yielding the best results for high-density plantings. A lower nitrogen rate of 80 lb/acre was adequate for nutrient uptake. Pungency levels for sweet onions remained acceptable (<4.8 µmol/g), while lachrymatory factors increased but stayed below threshold limits.