Georgia clients are encouraged to visit their local Extension office for sample submission and consultation.
The Extension office will assist you with sampling, bottles, soil bags, and fees.
If you would like to submit samples directly to the lab:
Pyruvic acid, Lachrymatory factor, and Methyl Thiosulfinates
Fee: $80.00*
Fee: $40.00*
sucrose, glucose, and fructose
Fee: $40.00*
pH, Brix, and TA
Fee: $30.00*
*Additional shipping costs may apply
The Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories (AESL) offers tests for the analysis of flavor compounds in onions and other crops. Please use the Crop Quality Lab submission form here.
For onion flavor analysis, the list of tests being offered and sample report form is shown here. Due to natural variability among onion bulbs, each sample should consist of ten onion bulbs which will be composited by the lab to form a single sample (see sampling protocol below).
All samples should be clearly labeled and submitted along with a completed sample submission form. Mail the boxed samples to AESL at 2300 College Station Rd. Athens, GA 30602.
To best represent a field, collect onion samples randomly around the area. If the sample is to represent a 5 to 10-acre field, divide the area into four quadrants, collect two (2) mature onions from each quadrant, and 2 onions from the center of the field. It is ideal to collect onions of the same size and maturity. If the sample is from the packing house, make sure that the onion lot is well represented by collecting ten onions from various sections of the lot. Again, it is best to collect onions of the same grade, size, variety, and maturity.
Georgia clients: Locate Your County Extension Office
Out-Of-State Clients: Deliver your sample to our mailing address.
This number will connect you to the UGA Extension Office in the County where your phone is registered: 1-800-ASK-UGA1