Dissemination of technology for shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) seed production using true shallot seed (TSS) in Indonesia

Abstract

Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) is a vegetatively propagated and one of an economical vegetable crop in Indonesia. However, bulb of shallot can not be stored for a long period of time, and the availability of seed is limited or not available during off season especially when the price is very high. The use of fresh produce of shallot as seed gives no guarantee for quality and its productivity. The true shallot seed (TSS) is one of alternative that may overcome the scarcity of shallot seed. However, farmers are not familiar with the culture technique towards using TSS. In order to anticipate these conditions, Indonesian Agency for Agriculture Research and Development (IAARD) has developed technology for TSS seed production, which included TSS production in the highland and mini bulb production in the low land, and urged to introduce and disseminate the technology to the farmers. In 2013, a series of activities for technology transfer through demonstration plots, field day, training of trainer, formulation of technical guidelines including audio visual, production TSS and mini tuber were conducted in 6 provinces: West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and South Sulawesi. Farmers groups, extension officers, researchers, shallot seed producers and local government officers were involved. The questioner collected during field day indicated that almost all respondent interested to adopt TSS technology. The production cost of TSS differs on cultivar, such as 'Trisula' cost IDR 596 689 kg-1, and 'Bima' IDR 1 818 812 kg-1. Mini bulb production of 'Bima' was 2.25 kg m-2.