Agrifound Dark Red Research Articles

Effects of set size and planting date on yield, quality and shelf life of kharif onion under low hill region of himachal pradesh

The experiment was conducted at an experimental farm to find out the optimum set size and suitable planting date of onion during kharif season for obtaining the maximum yield. The trials had three replications and 16 treatment combinations on Agrifound Dark Red. The treatments included four set sizes (small 1-1.5cm, medium 1.5-2.0cm, large 2.0-2.5cm, and extra large >2.5cm) and four planting dates (July 10, July 25, August 10, and August 25). The treatment combination of 1.5-2.0cm set size and 10th August planting was advantageous for several characteristics. Small sets (1-1.5 cm) produced small bulbs and also the yield was reduced. Large and exceptionally large size sets (2.0-2.5cm and >2.5cm) produced more twins, triplets, split bulbs, and bolting, which were undesirable features. Considering net profit and economic yields, medium set size and planting on August 10th was found to be more profitable (1: 3.84). Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(1): 17-23, 2024 (March)

Selection of Suitable Date of Transplanting for Year Round Production of Onion (Allium cepa L.) cv Agrifound Dark Red

Round the year onion production is an important issue to challenge the price fluctuation during different time of year and different location of the country. The present experiment was conducted at sub-tropical region of Uttar Pradesh during early kharif, kharif and late kharif season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 to find out the optimum date of transplanting and choice of suitable planting condition (raised and flat bed) for Agrifound Dark Red cultivar of onion for off-season production. The experiment consisted of nine dates of transplanting (1st day of April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December). Based on two years data of experiment which was laid out in two Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications, results indicated that transplanting on 1st October showed maximum vegetative growth in terms of plant height (66.23 cm), number of leaves per plant (13.32), length of leaf (65.85 cm) was observed in plants when transplanted on 1st November (D8) at 120 days after transplanting (DAT). However, maximum neck thickness (21.92 mm) was recorded in 1st October transplanting, but the change was non-significant. The harvesting days might be early when transplanting was done on 1st July (D4) and October transplanting (D7) caused late harvesting as compared to others. It indicated that 1st October transplanting produced more bulb yield (347.76 q/ha) followed by 1st November transplanting. Among the two conditions, raised bed (B1) showed the better performance in respect of growth and yield specially in kharif season production. Therefore, it may be concluded that Agrifound Dark Red variety may be transplanted on 1st October to get maximum production in central Uttar Pradesh which may be beneficial for increasing farmers’ income.

Assessment of Onion (Allium Cepa L.) Genotypes for Horticultural Traits During Kharif Season

The present investigation entitled “Assessment of onion (Allium Cepa L.) genotypes for horticultural traits during kharif season” was conducted at C”-Block farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal during the year 2022- 2023. The experiment was conducted in simple randomized block design (RBD) with seven genotypes and they were randomized in three replications. This Experiment deals with seven different kharif onion genotypes which consist of (viz. DOGR-1627, N-53, Bhima Super, Balwan, Bhima Dark Red, Baswant-780 and Agrifound Dark Red). Through the current investigation the genotype DOGR-1627 was found better than the others in terms of yield (491.49 q-ha), double bulb percentage (2.96 %), neck thickness (5.59 mm) and days taken for maturity (124.67 days) as well as for harvesting (139.00 days). But in terms of quality parameters the genotype Balwan showed maximum Total soluble solids (TSS) of (14.30 ̊ B), Bhima dark red in total sugar percentage (2.47 %), reducing sugar percentage (2.25 %) and the highest polar diameter was recorded from the genotype Basawant-780 (59.57 mm). The genotypes from kharif group could be selected for further improvement and breeding work in future in this particular growing region. Although from the above experiment it may be concluded that in case of Kharif onion, the genotype DOGR-1627 found to be an ideal genotype in respect to marketable yield, neck thickness, double bulb percentage and days taken for maturity.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Various Varieties on Seedling Growth of Late Kharif Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Assam

Experiments were conducted on sandy loam soil of Horticulture Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam during 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment was conducted on “The effect of different sowing dates and various varieties on seedling growth of late kharif onion (Allium cepa L.) in Assam.” Fifteen treatment combinations comprising of five onion varieties viz., Arka Kalyan, Bhima Dark Red, Agrifound Dark Red, Bhima Super and Bhima Red and three dates of sowing viz., 25th August, 5th September and 15th September were tested in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. At the nursery stage, on the basis of pooled data, the relationship of different growth characters with various varieties and different dates of sowing revealed that variety Bhima Super sowing on 25th August (D1V4) was the best in the number of leaves (3.77), fresh weight of seedling (344.16 mg) and dry weight of seedlings (58.85 mg) at 40 days of sowing. Number of leaves per plant 25, 30 and 35 days after sowing were not affected by combination of various varieties and different dates of sowing.

Combined efficacy of bio-pesticides and fungicides on stemphylium blight disease of onion (Allium cepa)

A field trial was conducted at Regional Research Station, NHRDF, Nashik in three consecutive years during Kharif 2016, 2017 and 2018 on onion variety Agrifound Dark Red for the management of stemphylium blight disease of onion through soil application of bio-pesticide and sequential spray of different fungicides. The pooled result showed that, significantly minimum stemphylium blight incidence (52.22%) with intensity (4.0%) and highest gross yield (218.51 q/ha) with marketable (174.94 q/ha) as well as highest benefit cost ratio (7.83:1) were recorded in the treatment Soil application of Arka Microbial Consortia @ 12.50 kg/ha followed by sequential sprays of Propiconazole @ 0.1% at 25 DAT, Hexaconazole @ 0.1% at 50 DAT and Tricyclazole @ 0.1% at 75 DAT

Front Line Demonstrations – An Effective of Upscaling Improved Varieties of Onion Variety Agrifound Dark Red in Mahaboobnagar District of Telangana, India

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the important commercial vegetable crops grown in India. One of the main limitations in onion production is cultivar strength. After evaluating the Agrifound dark red onion cultivar, its production and productivity is more than the native onion grown, Between 2012 and 2014, various locations in Mahaboobnagar district of Telangana. The Front-Line demonstration (FLD) of Agri found dark red variety was carried out, Demonstrations focused on maximum productivity per unit area and farmer feedback on cultivar performance. It was observed that the improved onion variety Agrifound dark red recorded a higher yield by 20.3% (2170 kg/ha) over the local check (1800 kg/ha). Further, the technology gap (average 32.3q/ha), technology index (12.9%) and extension gap (37) were also considerably higher in Agrifound Dark red. It is concluded that a wide gap existed in potential and demonstration yield in high yielding Agrifound Dark red variety due to technology and extension gap in Mahaboobnagar district of Telangana. FLD has proven to be the best vehicle for introducing new onion varieties, increasing production to increase yield and income, and generating income for local onion growers.

Yield and Economics of Kharif Onion (Allium cepa L.) under Front Line Demonstration in Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India

Aim: To disseminate the technology among the farmers through front line demonstration on Kharif onions for enhanced the production and fetching the more income.
 Study Design: Not applicable.
 Place and Duration of Study: ICAR-IIVR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Deoria, conducted front-line demonstrations on kharif onion at farmers' fields during the kharif season 2017, 2018, and 2019.
 Methodology: Conducted 33 front-line demonstrations at farmers' fields during the study period. The yield data were recorded.
 Results: To increase the output of onions through enhanced production technology, 33 front line demonstration on kharif onion were conducted. According to the demonstrations that were undertaken, the improved variety of kharif onions (NHRDF Agrifound dark Red) produced an average yield of 274.4 q/ha, which was greater than the average yield of check (N-53) i.e. 228.83 q/ha. The average yield improvement over farmer techniques was 19.91%. It was noted that the average extension gap was 45.57 q/ha. The economics of the data showed that, on average, in demonstrations, gross returns were (277453.3/ha), net returns were (191184/ha), and benefit cost ratio was (3.2) as opposed to check (Niphad-53), where gross returns were 204160/ha, net returns were 122423.3/ha and benefit cost ratio was (2.5).
 Conclusion: The average yield enhancement over farmer techniques was 19.91%. It was noted that the average extension gap was 45.57 q/ha. The economics of the data showed that, on average, in demonstrations, gross returns were (277453.3/ha), net returns were (191184/ha), and benefit cost ratio was (3.2). Front line demonstration is one of the most important tools for technology transfer to the farmers at the grassroots level that has a significant effect on the horizontal spread of technology as well as build up the strong interaction with the farmer communities.

Effect of different date of transplanting for off-season onion production in Central Uttar Pradesh

Off-season onion production of is an important issue to challenge the price fluctuation during different time of year and in different location of the country. The present experiment was conducted at sub-tropical region of central Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) during kharif, late kharif season of 2018-20 to find out the optimum date of transplanting and choice of suitable cultivar of onion for off-season production. The experiment consisted of eight dates of transplanting (30th August, 10, 20, 30th September, 10, 20, 30th October and 10th November) and two cultivars (Agrifound Dark Red and L-883) which was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Transplanting on 30th September showed maximum vegetative growth in terms of plant height (66.93 cm), number of leaves per plant (14.99), maxi-mum length of leaf (47.60 cm), neck thickness (23.19 mm) at 120 days after transplanting as well as highest average bulb weight (79.53 g) and bulb yield ( 10.02kg/plot and 382.68 q/ha). Among the two varieties L-883 showed the better performance in respect of growth and yield in off season production. Therefore, it may be concluded that the cultivation of L-883 variety and transplanting on 30th September was found best for off –season production in the sub –tropical agro- climatic region of Center Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) which may be beneficial for increasing farmers’ income as well as for benefit of costumers keeping the balance between demand and supply.

Physicochemical and Thermal Characteristics of Onion Skin from Fifteen Indian Cultivars for Possible Food Applications

Every year tons of onion waste is produced worldwide. The dried outer onion skin contributed up to 70% of this waste. Outer-dried skins of fifteen prominent onion cultivars from India were selected for the study. A comparative study was done for proximate profiling, thermal characteristics, functional grouping, and mineral contents. Skin of cv. “NHRDF Red” contained the highest amount of crude protein (5.97 ± 0.15 g/100 g), ash (12.24 ± 0.59 g/100 g), and fiber (8.28 ± 0.20 g/100 g), whereas cv. “Pusa Red” possessed the highest amount of total fat (0.47 ± 0.02 g/100 g) and the maximum carbohydrates (76.66 ± 0.56 g/100 g) were found in “Pusa Riddhi.” Mineral analysis showed that cv. “NHRDF Red” had the maximum concentration of all 9 minerals along with sulphur content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis explored the various metabolites present in each cultivar. The thermal analysis explored cv. “Agrifound Dark Red” as highly thermally stable having 70.98% residual mass. The lowest Tg temperature range was found between 64.4°C and 90.6°C for “Agrifound Dark Red.” Skin of cv. “NHRDF Red” was reported as the best source of protein, fiber, and minerals, which may be utilized for developing a food product.

Effect of Varieties and Planting Time on the Performance of Onion under Tropical Planes of Kerala

Background: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an important and indispensable item of every kitchen. It is used as a vegetable, spice and condiment and commands an extensive internal market. Even though onion is one of the major crops in India, its cultivation is not yet popular in Kerala. Successful onion production depends on the selection of varieties that are adapted to different conditions imposed by specific environment and best planting time. In this background, the current study aimed to evaluate five onion varieties in the tropical planes of Kerala and also to study the effect of different planting time and varieties on the performance of onion in Kerala.Methods: Five onion varieties were evaluated in four different dates of planting with an interval of fifteen days. Planting commenced from 10th November to 25th December 2017 in a split plot design with four replications. Yield attributing characters such as number of leaves per plant, leaf length, bolting percentage, neck thickness, bulb weight and yield were noted. Result: All the parameters showed a significant variation over different dates of planting. There was a significant variation in number of leaves per plant, leaf length, bolting percentage, total bulb yield and neck thickness among the varieties. Interaction effect of varieties and dates of planting was significant only for leaf length and total bulb yield. Highest bulb weight was recorded in 25th Nov. planting. Highest yield was recorded in 25th Nov. which was on par with 10th Dec. and 10th Nov. plantings. Arka Kalyan recorded a highest yield, which was statistically on par with Agrifound Dark Red and Arka Pragati. Varieties when planted on 25th Dec. recorded a lowest neck thickness. Agrifound White exhibited a non-bolting behavior in all the dates of planting. Overall performance and yield of onion was found to be better when planting was done on 25th November.

Effect of proportional substitution of potassic fertilizer with biofertilizers in onion

A fundamental shift has taken place in agricultural research and world food production. Today, the drivefor productivity is increasingly combined with a desire for sustainability. A field experiment was carried out insandy loam soil during kharif 2016-17 with kharif onion cv. Agrifound Dark Red using Azolla and vermicompostfor sustainable crop production. The experiment comprised of 8 treatments, T1 (no K application), T2 (50 per cent RDK), T3 (100 per cent RDK), T4 (50 per cent RDK + 50 per cent K by Azolla), T5 (50 per cent RDK + 50 per cent K by Vermicompost), T6 (50 per cent RDK + 25 per cent K by Azolla + 25 per cent K by Vermicompost), T7 (100 per cent K by Azolla) and T8 (100 per cent K by Vermicompost). Full dose of N and P were applied in all thetreatments through urea and SSP, respectively. However, potassium was supplied through muriate of potash(MOP) having 60 per cent K2O, vermicompost (0.8 per cent potassium) and Azolla (2.62 per cent potassium on dry wt. basis). Results from field experiment showed that treatment T7 was found significantly superior overall other treatments to increase plant height of onion at 90 (45.59 cm) and 120 DAT (50.80 cm) and the lowestplant height was recorded in control (T1). Dry matter content (14.34 g plant−1) was found to be the highest with treatment T5 at 120 DAT. However, treatment T4 resulted highest dry matter 0.513, 1.52, 5.54 g plant−1 at 30, 60 and 90 DAT respectively. Equatorial (55.86 mm) and polar (47.59 mm) diameters of onion bulbs were found tobe significantly higher with treatment T5. The highest bulb weight (45.17 g) and yield of onion (13.17 t ha−1) wererecorded with treatment T5 which was 16.24 and 41.46 per cent higher bulb yield as compared to that recorded with T3 and T1 respectively. However, the lowest bulb weight (35.10 g) and bulb yield (9.31t ha−1) were recordedin the plots receiving no potassium. Calculation of cost of production and benefit obtained showed that thetreatment T3 gave maximum benefit: cost ratio of 2.1. However, B: C ratio of T4 and T5 was 1.9 and 1.6, respectively.

Effect of INM on growth, bulb yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Agrifound Dark Red

The present experiment was carried out on onion cultivar Agrifound Dark Red during Rabi season 2018-19 with objective to know the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, bulb yield and quality of onion. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of T1 -Control, T2 – 100% NPK, T3– 75% NPK +Azotobactor, T4 – 75% NPK + PSB, T5 – 75% NPK + Azotobactor + PSB, T6- 50% NPK + Azotobactor, T7 - 50% NPK +PSB, T8 - 50% NPK + Azotobactor + PSB, T9 - 100% NPK + Vermicompost. Results revealed that application of different levels of fertilizers, viz., organic manures and biofertilizers either alone or in combination significantly increased the growth, bulb yield and quality of onion as compared to control. The maximum bulb yield (235.483q/ha) and diameter of bulb (4.443cm) were recorded with 100% NPK + Vermicompost.

Evaluation study of integrated cultivation technology on yield of rabi onion under demonstrations in Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Assam State (India)

Demonstrations are the one of the most important tool for transfer of technology at grass root level that directly impacts the spread of technology. Onion is grown in kharif, late kharif and Rabi seasons in India, major onion grown in Rabi season all over India, but it's cultivated on upland in kharif/late kharif all over India. Even though its productivity recorded is low due to lacking in knowledge of scientific production technology and high yielding variety suitable to soil and climate. In order to increase the productivity of kharif onion with adoption of improved technology, 80 no's of demonstration in 20 hectare on onion variety Agrifound Dark Red (ADR) were conducted during 2014–15 by National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation, in different locations of three states viz Bihar, Rajasthan and Gujarat state through TDTD (Technology Dissemination through Demonstration) under National Horticulture Mission at selected farmers ’fields. From the conducted demonstrations, it was revealed that, an average increased yield of onion crop 11.62 per cent was achieved with average technology gap of 85.50 q/ha of onion bulb production. Also reduce technology index of 28.50 per cent was noticed during the year. An increased average net monetary return of 333200.00 and B: C ratio 5.12 was obtained in the demonstrated technology over control plot with average net monetary returns 218500.00 and B: C 3.85. The higher returns was due to higher bulbs yields as well as higher market price with sorting/grading of bulbs obtained in the demonstration technology over control plots. Obtained maximum onion bulb yield with higher monetary returns, B: C ratio, higher adoption index, reduction in technology index per cent & extension gap Qtl/ha in Gujarat State, whereas Obtained minimum onion bulb yield with lower monetary returns with B: C ratio, lower adoption index, maximum technology index per cent & maximum extension gap Qtl/ha in Bihar state.

Effect of Different Varieties and Planting Time on Kharif Onion Production in Lower Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of varieties and planting time on kharif onion production under low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh at Research Farm of the Institute of Biotechnology and Environmental Science (Dr. Y.S. Parmar, University of Horticulture and Forestry), Neri, Hamirpur for two consecutive seasons (2011 & 2012). The farm is located at an altitude of 620 m above mean sea level with average mean maximum and minimum temperature levels of 31.30 C and 12.40 C, respectively and is a representative site of low hill region of Himachal Pradesh. Four cultivars of onion viz. N-53, Nasik Red, Agrifound Dark Red (AFDR) and Agrifound Light Red (AFLR) were transplanted on six dates at ten days interval starting from 5th July to 25th August. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications for each treatment. Healthy seedlings were transplanted on raised beds at a spacing of 15 x 10 cm in plots of 3.0 x 3.0 m2. Recommended cultural practices were followed during investigation to raise the crop successfully. All the observations pertaining to traits viz. plant height (cm), neck thickness (cm), bulb diameter (cm), bulb weight (g), days for harvesting, and yield (q/ha) were taken by randomly selecting twenty healthy plants from each plot. Standard package and practices were followed for raising the crop as per the recommendations of the University. The maximum bulb diameter (5.50 cm was ()ng to bulb diameter showed that all the variables had significant effect on bulb diameter. the ing 2011 ) and highest bulb weight(64.37 g) among cultivars was noticed in cultivar Agrifound Dark Red. There was a significant effect of both by varieties and transplanting dates. The highest average yield (229.03 q/ha) was observed in cultivar AFDR. The highest bulb yield (197.54 q/ha) among transplanting dates was noted on third transplanting date D3 (25th July). Therefore it can be summarized that cultivar Agrifound Dark Red is the best suited cultivar for kharif onion production in lower Shivalik hills of Himachal Pradesh and it should be transplanted around 25th July for maximization of bulb yield.

Evaluation of kharif onion varieties and transplanting time for production under North-Western mid Himalayan region

In order to boost onion production during kharif, it was considered imperative to test onion varieties for their performance and assess the effect of planting time on its production. Four onion varieties, viz. N-53, Nasik Red, Agrifound Dark Red (AFDR) and Agrifound Light Red (AFLR) were transplanted on five dates separated at ten day intervals starting from 15th July to 25th August at Research Farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chamba for two consecutive seasons (2014 & 2015). There was a significant effect of varieties, transplanting dates and their interaction on bulb diameter, bulb weight and yield. The maximum bulb diameter (5.52 cm) and highest bulb weight (58.65 g) among cultivars was noticed in cultivar Agrifound Dark Red. The yield of onion was significantly affected both by variety and transplanting time. The highest average yield (184.98 q/ha) was observed in variety FDR. The highest bulb yield among transplanting dates was recorded on fourth transplanting date D4 (15th August). AFDR transplanted around second fortnight of August produced the highest bulb yield.

A survey of Post-Harvest losses of onion (Allium Cepa L. CV. Agrifound Dark Red) Crop in District Ambala

Onion is one of the highly perishable vegetable in India. It is highly valued as flouring agents. A study was undertaken to examine the nature and extent of post-harvest losses in onion supply chain in the Ambala district which is major onion district of Haryana. It was found that total onion bulbs produced by the sample onion growers were 10110.00 q from the 120-acre area. Total loss of farmer field 1097.94 q, domestic use purpose quantity was recorded 278.02 q and total sell for purpose 8734.04 q. Unmarketable bulbs was recorded 1375.96 q at the time of harvesting due to various losses at field levels like doubles, bolters, rotted bulbs, drying, bulbs injuries, de-topping, packing, transportations, marketing etc. Out of the total quantity sold in first month purpose bulb yield (6214.26 q) and total bulb stored in cold storage (2519.78) or 28.85 percent in next season. Maximum aggregate post-harvest losses (9.15 q/acre) have been found at producer level due to faulty storage, lack of adequate transportation, drying, improper handling of the produce at the time of marketing, rotted bulbs, doubles, bolters, poor packing facilities, injury at the time of harvesting and de-topping. Total losses in the supply chain were estimated to be 10.86 percent.

Effect of zinc and boron on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Agrifound dark red

Effect of zinc and boron on growth, yield and quality of onion (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.) cv. Agrifound dark red

Variation in various antioxidant biochemicals and morphological traits in kharif onion

Eight onion genotypes with different scale colour were studied for yield, and related traits during rainy season. Non-significant differences for the morphological traits and significant differences for bulb quality traits and yield were observed. There was 2.08 and 1.44-fold difference between lowest and highest yielding genotypes for yield and TSS, respectively. Agrifound Dark Red was found superior for yield and total phenols content. Antioxidant activity, as measured by CUPRAC and FRAP, had 1.73- and 3.09-fold difference between highest and lowest performers and ranged between 1.70–2.95 μmol and 0.30–0.93 μmol Trolox/g FW, respectively. Bulb yield had positive association with total phenols content, but negative association with TSS, CUPRAC and FRAP values. No single variety/selection were found consistently superior for all the traits.

Performance of Red Onion Varieties in Kharif Season under Akola Conditions

Research experiment was carried out during 2012-13 at Main Garden, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, in order to evaluate the Performance of red onion varieties in kharif season under Akola conditions. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with eight red onion varieties viz. V1(Agrifound Dark Red), V2(Phule Samarth), V3(Baswant-780), V4(N-53), V5(Pune Red), V6(Bhima Super), V7(Bhima Raj) and V8(Bhima Red) which were replicated three times. Results obtained showed that red onion varieties were significantly different when it comes to the plant and bulb morphological characteristics. The variety N-53 produced the maximum height of plant (66.87 cm). While, Bhima Red and Phule Samarth were at par in terms of number of leaves per plant (14.33 and 14.20 cm), bulb diameter (6.61 and 6.36 cm), fresh bulb weight (110.95 and 106.28 gm), cured bulb weight (99.53 and 95.30 gm). Regarding neck thickness, the variety Pune Red recorded minimum (0.87 cm) neck thickness which was at par with N-53 (0.93 cm), Bhima Super (0.97 cm) and Baswant-780 (1.03 cm). The cultivar Bhima Red recorded maximum marketable yield per hectare (328.57 quintal/ha) which was at par with Bhima Raj (298.41 quintal/ha) and Bhima Super (269.83 quintal/ha) respectively. Agrifound Dark Red recorded the maximum TSS (11.47 0Brix) content which was at par with Phule Samarth (10.50 0Brix). Bhima Red variety recorded the zero bolting percentage and minimum splitting percentage (0.33%). The cultivar Bhima Red and Bhima Raj were performed well for the Akola region in kharif season.

Evaluation of Onion Varieties under Low Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

An experiment was conducted to identify promising varieties of onion suited for cultivation under low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Ten varieties were evaluated at Research Farm of the Institute of Biotechnology and Environmental Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, for two consecutive seasons (2010- 2011 and 2011-2012). The farm is located at an altitude of 620m above mean sea level, with average mean maximum and minimum temperatures of 31.3°C and 12.4°C, respectively, and is a representative site of the low hill region of Himachal Pradesh. Standard package of practices was followed for raising the crop as recommended by the University. Observations were recorded on various horticultural traits, viz., plant height, number of leaves per plant, days to harvest, neck thickness, bulb diameter, bulb weight, TSS, and total yield. In addition, all the varieties were screened for resistance against purple blotch disease. Maximum days to harvest (129.33 days) were seen in the variety Holland Louis, while, variety Agrifound Rose showed minimum number of days (109). Varieties Palam Lohit, Nasik Red, N-53 and Agrifound Dark Red recorded significantly higher bulb yield (275.00, 240.67, 239.25 and 232.37 q/ha, respectively) than the other varieties evaluated. None of the varieties was able to resist the disease totally; however, 'Agrifound Dark Red' was moderately resistant, exhibiting just 13.78% disease incidence. Varieties Palam Lohit, Nasik Red and Agrifound Dark Red had medium bulb size and higher yield. These can be advocated for commercial cultivation under low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh.