Onion Research Articles

Total aerobic plate count and onion (Allium cepa) root tip assay using banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) Pseudostem accumulated water with thin-layer chromatography as confirmatory test

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. It can originate from any of the trillions of cells in the human body. Normally, cells grow and divide as needed, but cancer disrupts this process, causing abnormal cells to multiply uncontrollably. According to Monda et al. (2021), the pseudostem of the banana tree possess anticancer activities due to the phytochemicals present, which is why the researchers want to determine whether the accumulated water inside the banana pseudostem also holds the potential to become an alternative anti-cancer treatment. The researchers utilized total aerobic plate counting and Allium cepa root tip assay for the researchers to evaluate the potability of the banana pseudostem accumulated water and assess its inhibitory properties for cell growth, respectively. Based on the findings of the study, the total number of aerobic plates is too numerous to be counted (TNTC) and from the ANOVA analysis conducted, there was no significant difference among the cell growth inhibition. To verify this result, thin-layer chromatography was used to determine if there are any phytochemicals present within the sample possessing anticancer properties. No phytochemicals with such characteristics were identified. In conclusion, the banana pseudostem accumulated water is not a suitable alternative for anticancer medications. The researchers recommended considering other factors that might affect the quality of the sample. They also suggested subjecting the data to a more in-depth analysis, such as examining the Mitotic Index and chromosomal aberrations, to obtain more specific information.

Effects of Biochar Type on the Growth and Harvest Index of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

This study examined using peanut shells, rice husks, and cocoa husks as soil conditioners to boost yields in Allium cepa var. Alvara onions. Three types of biochar and four application rates (1%, 1.5%, 3%, and 5%) were compared to a control with no biochar. The biochars had different nutrient makeups, with cocoa husk biochar (CHB) containing the most essential elements. While overall plant growth (height, leaves, and roots) was not significantly affected (p > 0.05) by any biochar type compared to the control, some plant parts responded differently. CHB (5%) and peanut husk biochar (PHB) (1%) yielded the tallest onion plants (71 and 65 cm), while 1% rice and cocoa biochar resulted in the shortest (below 42 cm). PHB (3% and 5%) produced the longest roots (9 cm), while 1.5% rice husk biochar (RHB) had the shortest. Biochar application had no significant effect on leaf count. However, specific application rates of RHB and PHB increased the harvest index (HI), indicating more efficient yield allocation. HI values > 0.85 were obtained with specific biochar rates (e.g., 1.0–1.5% PHB, 1.5–5% RHB, or 5.0% CHB).

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of vernalization sensitivity and pre-mature bolting in onion (Allium cepa L.)

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of vernalization sensitivity and pre-mature bolting in onion (Allium cepa L.)

Growth and Yield of Onion (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.) as Affected by Variable Rates of Poultry Manure and Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer at Alage, Central Rift Valley Ethiopia

Onion is one of the important vegetable crops produced in many home gardens and in some extent commercially in different parts of Ethiopia. Therefore, this experiment was conducted at Alage Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing the growth, yield, and quality response of onion to the variable rates of poultry manure and mineral nitrogen fertilizer. The experiment comprising of three nitrogen levels (0, 46, and 92 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) and four levels of poultry manure (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The result indicated that leaf length, leaf number, days to maturity, bulb length, and bulb dry matter content were significantly influenced by main factors. Application of poultry manure at the rate of 15 t ha<sup>-1</sup> recorded the highest total bulb yield (63.33 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) and marketable bulb yield (62.52 t ha<sup>-1</sup>), but statistically, there was no significant difference between 15t ha<sup>-1</sup> and 10t ha<sup>-1</sup> poultry manure application. The results of the partial budget analysis showed that 15 t ha<sup>-1</sup> poultry manure application gave the highest marginal rate of returns. Since the highest bulb yield and maximum marginal rate of returns are obtained at 15 t ha<sup>-1</sup> poultry manure application, this rate can be recommended for onion production in the researched area, and areas having similar agro-ecologies. However, as the research is conducted for a single season and location, repeating the experiment over location and year will be required to give a conclusive recommendation.

Spontaneous and Chemically Induced Genome Doubling and Polyploidization in Vegetable Crops

Plant ploidy manipulation is often required for breeding purposes. However, there is no comprehensive review covering genome doubling in vegetable crops despite the abundance of data for a large number of vegetable species. Similar to other species, genome doubling is required in vegetable crops to obtain doubled haploids (DHs). It is also utilized for the production of polyploids to overcome interspecific hybrid sterility and improve agricultural traits. Spontaneous haploid genome duplication (SHGD) occurs in many Apiaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Solanaceae crops, allowing for the laborious treatment with antimitotic agents to be bypassed. SHGD mechanisms are not fully understood, but existing data suggest that SHGD can occur via nuclear fusion, endoreduplication, or other mechanisms during microspore or ovule early embryogenic development. Other studies show that SHGD can occur at later developmental stages during extended plant growth in vitro or ex vitro, possibly due to the presence of phytohormones in the medium and/or diploid cell competitive advantage. For unresponsive accessions and species with rare SHGD, such as onion (Allium cepa L.) and beet cultivars (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris L.), antimitotic agent treatment has to be applied. Antimitotic agent application efficiency depends on the treatment conditions, especially the agent concentration and exposure time. Also, plant developmental stage is critical for agent accessibility and plant survival. The existing methods can be used to further improve genome doubling methodology for major vegetable crops and other species.

The feasibility and effectiveness of using biological products on onions (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.) in an annual crop

Relevanse. Rhizosphere associative bacteria, multiplying on root secretions, provide the plant with the entire complex of necessary nutrients from the soil and help increase productivity.The purpose of the research was to identify the feasibility and effectiveness of using bacterial preparations, optimizing the rates and timing of their application when cultivating onions as an annual crop on alluvial meadow soils of the Non-Chernozem Zone.Materials and Methods. Field experiments were carried out on the experimental field of VNIIO on an area of 1000 m2 in 2021-2023. We used drugs provided by the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Microbiology" (St. Petersburg): BisolbiPlant BIS88 (Bacillus pumilis strain); N40 – Experimental strain (Paenibacillus xylanexedens) – bacillary nitrogen fixer; V514 – Experimental strain (Bacillus megaterium) – bacillary stimulator of mobilization of soil phosphates and phosphorus from mineral fertilizers. The following tasks were solved by year: 2021 – Integrated use of biological products at application rates, l/ha: 0.0; 10.0; 20.0; 40.0; 2022 – Application of biological products in the following options: Control, Control + BIS88 (1+1) l/ha, Control + BIS88 (1+1) l/ha + N40 (1+1) l/ha + V514 (1+1) l/ha; 2023 – Options: BIS88 (0.5+0.5) l/ha + N40 (0.5+0.5) l/ha + V514 (0.5+0.5) l/ha at different base levels spring fertilization: N160P160K160; N110P110K110; N60P60K60.Results. It is not advisable to apply the studied bacterial preparations at a total rate of more than 10.0 l/ha during the cultivation of onions due to plant disease with bacteriosis. The use of the BisolbiPlant drug at a rate of (0.5+0.5) l/ha helps to increase the yield of onions with harvest quality comparable to the control. Biological products applied in combination with irrigation water during the growing season: BIS88 (0.5+0.5) l/ha; N40 (0.5+0.5) l/ha; V514 (0.5+0.5) l/ha, provide an increase in yield (13.4%) with harvest quality comparable to the control in the case of a low (N60P60K60) level of basic spring fertilizer application with subsequent fertilizing during the growing season Ca40N30 + N40K40 + N40K40. At the rates of the main spring application of fertilizers N110P110K110 and N160P160K160, complex application of preparations does not ensure an increase in the yield and its quality.

Dental restorative materials and halitosis: a preliminary in-vitro study

Despite the widespread use of dental restorative materials, little information exists in the literature regarding their potential impact on bad breath. This in vitro study aims to fill this gap by investigating the influence of different restorative materials on the release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Thirteen diverse dental restorative materials, including composites, flowable composites, glass ionomer restorative materials, high-copper amalgam, and CAD–CAM blocks, were examined. Cellulose Sponge models were used as negative and positive control. All samples were prepared with a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm. Except for the negative control group, all samples were embedded into Allium cepa L., and the emitted H2S was measured using the Wintact W8802 hydrogen sulfide monitor. Surface roughness’s effect on emission was explored by roughening the surfaces of CAD–CAM material samples, and gas emission was measured again. The data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and DSCF pairwise comparison tests. Fiber-reinforced flowable composite (EverX Flow), amalgam (Nova 70-caps), and certain composite materials (IPS Empress Direct, Tetric Evoceram, Admira Fusion X-tra) released higher H2S concentrations compared to the negative control. The H2S release period lasted longer in the same materials mentioned above, along with G-aenial Universal Injectable. Indirectly used materials, such as GC Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, and Vita YZ HT, demonstrated significantly lower emissions compared to other direct restoratives. Importantly, the surface roughness of indirect materials did not significantly affect peak H2S concentrations or release times. The study reveals variations in H2S release among restorative materials, suggesting potential advantages of indirect restorative materials in reducing H2S-induced halitosis. This comprehensive understanding of the relationship between restorative materials and halitosis can empower both dental professionals and patients to make well-informed treatment choices. Notably, there is evidence supporting the enhanced performance of indirect restorative materials for individuals affected by halitosis.

The influence of potassium nanoparticles as a foliar fertilizer on onion growth, production, chemical content, and DNA fingerprint

Potassium is an important macro-fertilizer for plant growth but can be lost from the soil after application via irrigation. Slow-release nano-fertilizers can achieve sustainable crop cultivation and production, so this study evaluated the influence of potassium nanoparticles (K-NPs) with various concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/l) on onion development, production, pigments, chemical content, and DNA fingerprint during two sequential agriculture seasons in 2021 and 2022 at a private farm in Zagazig, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Spraying onion plants with K-NPs (200 mg/l) significantly improved the vegetative characteristics of onion plant growth and production, as well as increasing the plant pigments and the content of carbohydrate, oil, total indole, and phosphorus in onion bulbs. Similarly, 50 mg/l of K-NPs considerably increased the content of nitrogen, potassium, protein, antioxidant activity, and phenols in the onion bulbs. The content of total flavonoids and anthocyanin was increased with 100 mg/l of K-NPs. In conclusion, the foliar application of K-NPs improves the onion plant yield and quality and can achieve agricultural sustainability.

Optimizing Nitrogen Nutrient Management for the Sustainable Enhancement of Secondary Metabolites and Yield in Onion Cultivation

This study investigates the impact of nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and iron (Fe) fertilization on secondary metabolites, particularly quercetin and its forms, in onion bulbs (Allium cepa L.). Field experiments over two years examined four onion varieties with red, yellow, and white colors of bulbs: Kamal, Robin, Pueblo, and Mundo. The parameters investigated included the yield, dry matter content, and average onion weight. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were also analyzed. The free quercetin, bound quercetin, and total quercetin contents were determined using the HPLC method. The results demonstrated notable increases in yield following the application of nitrogen (NH4+) and sulfur (SO42−) fertilizers. Incorporating iron (Fe2+) alongside these fertilizers did not yield a significant impact compared to N+S variant. The phenolic and flavonoid content varied with fertilization, while the quercetin content did not yield statistically significant results. Overall, the study highlights the complex relationship between fertilization practices and secondary metabolite production in onions, emphasizing the need for sustainable intensification in modern agriculture.

First report of Stemphylium vesicarium causing leaf blight of onion in Slovakia

AbstractDuring the 2022 growing season, commercial crops of onion (Allium cepa cv. Medusa) were found to be affected by an extensive leaf blight in south western Slovakia. The pathogen present on diseased leaves was isolated and identified as Stemphylium vesicarium through morphological and molecular analyses, utilizing three DNA markers (ITS, tef1-α, and β-tubulin). A detailed description and illustration of the fungus are provided. Although this pathogen is already present in Slovakia, this is the first record of S. vesicarium causing leaf blight on A. cepa in the country. Pathogenicity tests with a fungal isolate were performed on three local cultivars of onion plants in the laboratory, indicating varying susceptibility of the cultivars to S. vesicarium.

Edible superhydrophobic coating derived from triterpenoid maslinic acid for bacterial antifouling and enhanced fresh produce food safety

This study introduces an edible superhydrophobic coating for fresh produce derived from triterpenoid maslinic acid (MA), a natural plant compound renowned for its health benefits including antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The study takes advantage of the amphiphilic nature of MA, forming vesicles in aqueous media. Upon deposition onto the substrate, these vesicles contribute to surface roughness, resulting in a nanotextured morphology with nonpolar outer surface. Static water contact angle of MA coatings was 151.6 ± 0.8°, indicating superhydrophobic behavior exhibiting promising bacterial antifouling characteristics with 98.6%, 96.7% and 97.5% reduction against E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria, respectively, compared to uncoated surfaces (i.e., onion skin). The development of edible, superhydrophobic coatings for application on fresh produce advances current fruit and vegetable wax technologies, mostly used for cosmetic and physical barrier purposes rather than more functional ones. Using assembled MA coatings combining superhydrophobicity and health benefits, emerges as an novel and sustainable solution for advancing both fresh produce safety and human well-being.

Biodecolorization and biodegradation of Reactive Green 12 textile industry dye and their post-degradation phytotoxicity-genotoxicity assessments.

The employment of versatile bacterial strains for the efficient degradation of carcinogenic textile dyes is a sustainable technology of bioremediation for a neat, clean, and evergreen globe. The present study has explored the eco-friendly degradation of complex Reactive Green 12 azo dye to its non-toxic metabolites for safe disposal in an open environment. The bacterial degradation was performed with the variable concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400, and 500mg/L) of Reactive Green 12 dye. The degradation and toxicity of the dye were validated by high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier infrared spectroscopy analysis, and phytotoxicity and genotoxicity assay, respectively. The highest 97.8% decolorization was achieved within 12h. Alternations in the peaks and retentions, thus, along with modifications in the functional groups and chemical bonds, confirmed the degradation of Reactive Green 12. The disappearance of a major peak at 1450cm-1 corresponding to the -N=N- azo link validated the breaking of azo bonds and degradation of the parent dye. The 100% germination of Triticum aestivum seed and healthy growth of plants verified the lost toxicity of degraded dye. Moreover, the chromosomal aberration of Allium cepa root cell treatment also validated the removal of toxicity through bacterial degradation. Thereafter, for efficient degradation of textile dye, the bacterium is recommended for adaptation to the sustainable degradation of dye and wastewater for further application of degraded metabolites in crop irrigation for sustainable agriculture.

Field Experiment on Integrated Nutrient Management in Aggregatum Onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum)

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, U.T. of Puducherry during the summer season of 2023 to investigate the integrated effects of organics and bioenhancers on the growth, bulb yield and quality of aggregatum onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) cv ‘Perambalur Local’. The experiment utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two replications, incorporating two factors viz., fertilizers level (F1 with 6 levels) and bioenhancers (F2 with 3 levels), resulting in eighteen treatments in a factorial manner. The study materials included vermicompost, poultry manure, panchagavya and jeevamirtham, in addition to recommended Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and N, P, K fertilizers. Noteworthy observations were made in the treatment receiving Recommended Dose of FYM (RDFYM) + 75% N + Recommended Dose of P (RDP) + Recommended Dose of K (RDK) + 25% N through Poultry manure, coupled with the application of jeevamirtham at 500 L ha-1 as a soil drench thrice, coinciding with irrigation at planting, 20 and 45 days after planting (DAP). This treatment exhibited significant enhancements in various parameters including maximum plant height at 30 DAP (31.40 cm), leaf girth at 30 DAP (1.94 cm), number of leaves plant-1 at 30 DAP (25.80), fresh weight of top (12.26 g), polar (3.17 cm) and equatorial diameter of bulblet (2.94 cm), bulblet weight (9.30 g), number of bulblets plant-1 (10.00), maximum bulb yield (43.18 g plant-1 and 6.91 t ha-1) and dry matter production of bulbs (788.51 kg ha-1). These findings underscore the efficacy of integrating organic inputs and bioenhancers in optimizing the growth, yield and quality of aggregatum onion.

Anti-mitotic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Thevetia peruviana fruits

Thevetia peruviana plant, a member of the Apocynaceae family, has a long history in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as amenorrhea, malaria, jaundice, hemorrhoids, constipation, headaches, and skin issues. It contains significant amounts of cardiac glycosides in both its roots and seeds, which are known for their cytotoxic effects similar to digoxin. Given its potential toxicity and widespread use, current research is focused on assessing the antimitotic properties of the methanolic extract derived from the fruits of Thevetia peruviana. In the pursuit of potential pharmaceutical findings from plants, the antimitotic properties of the extracts were investigated through the Allium cepa assay. The findings indicated a noteworthy decrease in the mitotic index of root tips compared to the control, with the degree of mitotic suppression escalating alongside the concentration of the extracts. Therefore, the study suggests that the methanol extract derived from T. peruviana fruit has notable inhibitory and mitodepressive impacts on cell division in Allium cepa L. meristems. Keywords: Thebetia peruviana, Anti-mitotic Activity, Allium cepa assay, mitotic index

Evaluation of Carcass, Growth Performance, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chickens Fed Additive of Onion Bulb Peel Powder

The study evaluated the effect of the powder of onion bulb peel waste (Allium cepa) as feed additives on growth performance, blood profile and carcass features of broiler chickens. A total of 150-day old Arbo acre strains of broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five treatments group with 30 birds in each treatment with three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were reared on the floor of a pen partitioned into experimental units. The study was conducted in two phases; starter phase (0-28 day) and finisher phase (28-56 day). A basal experimental diet was formulated for the broiler chickens and varying levels of onion bulb peel powder was added as a supplement at 0mg/kg (control), 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 75mg/kg and 100mg/kg in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The results obtained in this study revealed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) in feed intake, body weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, hematological and bio-chemical parameters, carcass weight, non-carcass weight, percentage of carcass cut-part relative to the dressed weight and percentage non carcass relative to live weight between treatment diets. Onion bulb peel powder at 100mg/kg enhanced growth performance, reduced total blood cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein, increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and improved carcass yield of the birds. Since the feeding of onion bulb peel powder up to 100mg/kg as feed additives did not constitute nutritional disorder or any adverse effect on heamatological parameters of broiler chickens, it can be concluded that onion bulb peel powder at this level of inclusion is good for broiler chicken production.

Genotoxicity detected during cyanobacteria bloom in a water supply reservoir

The aquatic ecosystems are susceptible to cyanobacterial blooms due to the eutrophication of water bodies caused by human activities. In this study, phytoplankton and cyanotoxins analysis, as well as cellular and genetic biomarkers of toxicity (Allium cepa test - higher plant test system), were evaluated in water samples of Alagados Reservoir during a cyanobacterial bloom in South Brazil. The water samples were collected during the wet season at two sites in the Reservoir. Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) were detected in both samples (sites 1 and 2); however, the levels of PSTs were higher in site 1. Gonyautoxin 2 was the major cyanotoxin found in the Reservoir. Both samples were able to induce cytotoxic effects (reduced Mitotic Index) and damage the genetic material (i.e., increased frequencies of chromosome aberration and micronuclei) of meristematic cells of A. cepa. The cellular and genetic damages were higher in the sample site 1, wherein high levels of PSTs were verified. Thus, our findings suggested that cyanotoxins-contaminated waters may damage the genetic material of living organisms, and therefore this group of contaminants should be assessed for their potential genotoxicity.

Screening of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Genotypes for High Yield Potential in Mid Hills Region of Himachal Pradesh

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important bulbous vegetable crops, belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. Thirty genotypes were taken under study. Sufficient significant variation was observed among all the genotypes for all the characters under study. The maximum plant height was seen in the genotype UHF-ONI-13 (69.08 cm) while, minimum in the genotype UHF-ONI-7 (34.15 cm). Highest polar diameter and equatorial were represented by the genotype UHF-ONI-13 (5.59 cm) and Bhima Kiran (5.99 cm), respectively. There were nine genotypes which exhibited globular shape, three showed torpedo shape and eighteen showed flat shape. The majority, comprising 18 genotypes, exhibited a dark red color for their bulb skinThe genotype recorded to have earliest 50 per cent neck fall was UHF-ONI-4 (129.67 days). Maximum bulb weight was recorded by the genotype UHF-ONI-13 (82.95 g). Bulb yield per plot and per hectare was observed maximum in UHF-ONI-13 (8.19 kg and 436.86 q). UHF-ONI-13, UHF-ONI-15 and UHF-ONI-16 performed better than other genotypes for yield and other imperative horticultural characters. Thus, these genotypes can be used for further breeding improvement programmes of onion for different traits.

Botanical extracts improve postharvest quality and extend the shelf life of papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Shahi)

ABSTRACT Though papaya is a lucrative fruit regarding nutritional, medicinal, and commercial attributes, its susceptibility to postharvest loss may account for ≥ 40%. An experiment was carried out at Khulna University, Bangladesh from April to May 2013 to investigate the effects of botanical extracts on the postharvest physicochemical attributes, intensity, and severity of diseases and shelf life of papaya cv. Shahi. The experiment comprised botanical extracts from onion bulb, neem leaf, garlic bulb, oriental pepper leaf, datura leaf, and control as six treatments and replicated thrice following a completely randomised design (CRD). Among the physicochemical parameters, total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss, and dry matter of papaya fruit increase, and pulp to peel ratio, moisture content decrease gradually during the storage period disregarding treatments. Garlic bulb extract decreases the incidence and severity of postharvest diseases and extends the shelf life by more than 7 days compared to control. Thus, garlic bulb extract can be used for postharvest papaya storage. However, further experiments should be conducted before the final recommendation.

Proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers in onion cultivation

Organomineral fertilizers is an innovation in agriculture, since it uses organic matter enriched with minerals. The combination of mineral phosphate and organomineral fertilization can contribute to the development of a more sustainable and economical fertilization program for the crop. So, organomineral fertilization can be an alternative or complement to mineral fertilization. However, the careful selection of fertilizer sources and doses is essential to increase productivity in the onion crop and finding proportions between different fertilizers can be a promising choice for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of different proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers on the development, production and post-harvest quality of onion bulbs, cv. Sublime F1, under Cerrado conditions. The experiment was carried out in the field, in Cristalina, GO, Brazil, in a randomized block design, with four replications. Six treatments were used: five proportions of mineral fertilizer (M) with organomineral (OM) and the control (without additional fertilization). It was evaluated: length, width and number of leaves; productivity; soluble solids content; titratable acidity; and loss of fresh mass. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), at 1% (p≤0.01) and 5% (p≤0.05) of significance, and means compared by Tukey and Dunnett tests (p≤0.01 and p≤0.05). The fertilization proportions were submitted to regression (p≤0.05). The proportion of 50%M50%OM promotes higher bulb average mass and class 4 onion productivity. The proportions of fertilizers did not alter the postharvest characteristics (total soluble solids and total acidity) of the onion, which were affected only by the time of storage. Cultivar Sublime F1 showed good development for the region, conditions and fertilizers used.

Inoculation of Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and Bacillus subtilis Can Improve Growth in Vegetable Crops.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and some rhizobacteria are known as plant growth-promoting microorganism (PGPM) as they play significant roles in improving soil fertility structure, plant nutrition, growth, and health. However, little is known about the PGPM potential of AMF and rhizobacteria native to the Rift Valley and highland regions of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the PGPM effect of single and co-inoculation of AMF and the Bacillus subtilis ALCR46 strain, on tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.), onion (Allium cepa L.), and squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) plants. The experimental setup was a randomized complete block design with three replications of the following treatments: (i) inoculation with a consortium of AMF, (ii) co-inoculation with a consortium of AMF and the Bacillus subtilis, (iii) inoculation with Rhizophagus clarus, (iv) co-inoculation with R. clarus and B. subtilis, (v) inoculation with B. subtilis, (vi) plants without inoculation (negative control), and (vii) plants treated with chemical fertilizer (positive control). Plants were maintained in a greenhouse for 60 days, and after harvest, plant growth parameters, percentage of AMF root colonization, and spore number were analyzed. The result shows that the growth of crops significantly increased by co-inoculation with the consortium of AMF and B. subtilis. AMF spore density and root colonization rate were also increased in co-inoculated plants. Highest root colonization, spore number, and mycorrhizal dependency were observed in A. cepa. Our results suggest that there is a synergistic effect between the AMF and B. subtilis ALCR46, and between AMF inoculants. However, the application of present findings under field conditions is required to be confirmed by further studies.