Abstract
Background: The shortage of quality seed is the major limiting factor of onion production in the study area. Inappropriate use of NP fertilizers and plant spacing is the major source of the problem. Objective: The experiment was conducted to determine optimum plant spacing and NP fertilizer for high yield and quality seed production of onion. Methods: The treatments were composed of plant spacing 10×20×40 cm, 20×30×50 cm, 10×40 cm, 10×50 cm, 10x30 cm and NP fertilizer levels 86.25 P2O5 & 85.5 N kg ha-1, 115 P2O5 & 114 N kg ha-1, 143.6 P2O5 & 142.5 N kg ha-1, 69 P2O5 & 142 N kg ha-1 and control in a 5 x 5 factorial arrangement of RCBD with three replications. Results: The highest seed yield per hectare (879.4 kg) and per plot (663.6 g) was obtained from 115 P2O5 & 114 N kg ha-1 fertilizers and plant spacing 10×30cm gives the highest seed yield per plot (561.7g) and per hectare (748.9 kg). The highest germination percentage was obtained by the interaction effect of 10×30 cm and 143.6 P2O5 & 142.5 N kg ha-1. Whereas, highest seed vigor index I and II were obtained from the interaction of 115 P2O5 &114 N kg ha-1 and 20×30×50 cm spacing. Conclusion: Plant spacing of 10×30 cm followed by 20×30×50 cm and 115 P2O5 &114 N kg ha-1 fertilizers could be recommended for high yield and quality onion seed production in the study area.
Highlights
IntroductionIt is believed to have originated in Afghanistan, the area of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, western Tien Shan and India [1]
Onion (Allium cepa L.) belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae
Plant spacing of 10×30 cm followed by 20×30×50 cm and 115 P2O5 &114 N kg ha-1 fertilizers could be recommended for high yield and quality onion seed production in the study area
Summary
It is believed to have originated in Afghanistan, the area of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, western Tien Shan and India [1]. The most recent estimations have reported that there are about 750 species in the genus Allium, among which onion, Japanese bunching onion, leeks and garlicare the most important edible Allium crops [2]. Onions are highly beneficial in nutritional terms, providing a rich source of Vitamins B1, C and E and certain trace elements. The carbohydrate content ranges from 5% to about 11%; 100 g of edible portion provides about 36 kcal energy values [2]. The shortage of quality seed is the major limiting factor of onion production in the study area. Inappropriate use of NP fertilizers and plant spacing is the major source of the problem
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