This project was instigated by the Heavy Produce Committee of the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers because of concerns with the available onion varieties to met the demands of domestic and export markets. Particular concern had arisen about the greening of Early Lockyer White onions and the poor skin retention of local lines which detracted from their export potential. Commercial seed companies were invited to participate by entering lines that they had identified as having potential in Queensland. Local seed growers were asked to supply seed of their commercial strains so that they could be used as controls. Research has indicated that the locally developed varieties are still the best adapted varieties for early plantings. However, a number of new varieties developed by the seed companies demonstrated the potential in the later plantings.