August Sowing Research Articles

Late summer sowing positively affects yield of lowland buckwheat in Northeastern Italy

There is a growing demand for Italian buckwheat production. However, Italian buckwheat is still largely cultivated in upland regions and little is known about its cultivation outside traditional growing areas. In a two-year experiment the commercial buckwheat cultivar “Lileja” was sown on three different sowing dates (May, July, August) at two plant densities (250 and 350 seeds m-2) within a split-plot design with four replicates. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of planting date and seed rate on buckwheat yield and growth parameters. Despite a significant year effect, late summer sowing was stable between years in terms of yield, resistance to lodging and harvest index. Results from the growth analysis suggest that many growth parameters of buckwheat were affected by sowing date, with a slower biomass accumulation recorded in 2017. The findings illustrate the potential use of buckwheat as a cash crop in the lowland areas of northern Italy, when sown in August at a seed rate of 250 seeds m-2.

Yield and dry matter production of soybean response to late planting in southwestern Japan

ABSTRACT The selection of the sowing date is one of the most important decisions in soybean production. It is important for farmers to know the expected seed yield when developing a sowing plan. The objective of this study was to quantitatively reveal the decreased seed yield ratio during late sowing in southwestern Japan under irrigated conditions. Total above ground dry matter and distribution were measured from July to August sowing in 2018 and 2019 in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. The harvest index in the August sowing did not decrease compared to the July sowing under irrigated conditions. The decrease in yield was related to the total aboveground dry matter rather than to the harvest index. The decrease in total aboveground dry matter was related to the total amount of solar radiation intercepted rather than to radiation use efficiency. A significant regression equation was obtained for the relative yield, which was calculated from the maximum seed yield observed from early to mid-July. When seeds were sown after mid-July, our result showed that the seed yield will decrease by 0.60% per day for Sachiyutaka A1 and by 0.64% for Akimaro, even under conditions of 100% seedling establishment and controlled soil water conditions. This regression equation can be used in fields as an indicator of seed yield where irrigation is possible.

Effect of Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.) Green Manure on the Yield of Corn in Crop Rotation System

Regenerative farming systems are gaining increasing attention in crop production worldwide. The challenge of the future is to find and apply farming methods that not only reduce the carbon footprint of cultivation, but also produce sustainably through an optimal choice of inputs. We set up our crop rotation experiment in 2019 in order to evaluate the role of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) as a green manure crop in a crop rotation system. The results were compared with nitrogen fertilizer (80 kg ha−1 N) and control (no green manure and no fertilizer) treatments. Based on the three years of results, it can be concluded that the biomass production capacity of common vetch sown in August is determined by the amount of precipitation in October under continental climatic conditions. In an optimum year for corn, common vetch as a forecrop was found to be equivalent to the effect of fertilizer application at all three applied seed rates, but under stress conditions in a drought year, significantly higher corn yields were obtained when common vetch green manure was applied. Our results suggest a justified role for the use of common vetch green manure in crop rotation systems.

Host resistance by sowing date interaction reduced Fusarium wilt pressure and improved grain yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in North Shoa, Ethiopia

AbstractChickpea Fusarium wilt is seriously damaging chickpea productivity. To determine the integrated effects of three sowing dates and four chickpea varieties on epidemics of Chickpea Fusarium wilt and grain yield, field experiments were conducted in naturally infested soils at Alem Ketema and Enewari, Ethiopia, during 2018. Treatments were factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that variety Mastewal recorded relatively low mean Fusarium wilt incidence at Alem Ketema (15.344%) and Enewari (38.19%) compared with the other test varieties. Variety Mastewal also produced high grain yield over others at Alem Ketema (1155.14 kg ha−1) and Enewari (1120.91 kg ha−1). Related trends were observed for infection rate, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), and yield components at both locations. Late August sowing resulted in higher stand count at harvest (132.08 and 102.08), number of pods (50.28 and 40.62), grain yield (1030.86 and 1122.08 kg ha−1), and lower AUDPC value (321.30%‐days and 540.34%‐days) than early August sowing in that order at Alem Ketema and Enewari. Interaction of variety Mastewal by late August sowing gave relatively high grain yield (1341.36 and 1331.85 kg ha−1), and it had low AUDPC (196.58%‐days and 483.36%‐days) at Alem Ketema and Enewari, respectively. Conversely, early planting caused up to 25.32% (Alem Ketema) and 193.67% (Enewari) yield reductions in chickpea varieties over late planting. Therefore, delaying sowing date and growing variety Mastewal found to maximize chickpea yield and minimize effect and progression of Fusarium wilt, and hence, recommended for the study areas.

Growth and yield response of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed production to different sowing times

An experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at Jute Research Substation, Jashore, to study growth and seed yield response of kenaf to different sowing times. Seeds were sown from 15 July to 1 October, an interval of 15 days, as treatment variables under RCBD design with three replications. Greater seed yield was obtained from the 1st September sowing, which was at par with 15 September and 15 August sowings values. So, maximum seed production of kenaf may be ensured with optimum seed sowing between the 1st and 15thof September. J. Bangladesh Acad. Sci. 46(2); 219-221: December 2022

Response of Super Early Pigeonpea to Varied Sowing Windows and Integrated Nutrient Management in Southern Telangana Zone

The field experiments were conducted during kharif seasons (July–November) 2018 to determine the physiological, yield parameters and yield of super early pigeonpea under different sowing windows and with integrated nutrient management practices at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Telangana, India situated at 16˚ 51’ N Latitude and 78º25’ E Longitude with an average Altitude of 478 m above the mean sea level of Southern Telangana Zone of Telangana State, India. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design for pigeonpea with 3 main treatments i.e., (M1)1st July, (M2)20th July and (M3) 10th August sowings and four integrated nutrient management practices as sub treatments viz.S1: 75% RDF, S2:75% RDF+FYM enriched with microbial consortia (1 t ha-1), S3:100% RDFand S4:100% RDF+FYM enriched with microbial consortia (1 t ha-1) and replicated thrice. The findings of two years of field study revealed that, among the three sowing dates in main treatments, 1st July (M1) recorded a greater number of days to 50% flowering and 75% pod maturity of SEPP. Similar trend in the CGR, RGR, yield parameters and yield except 1000 seed weight of SEPP was noticed superior with 10th August sowing (M3) compared to other two sowing dates viz. July 1st and July 20th. The sub treatment containing INM practices revealed higher values of physiological, yield parameters and yield with application 100% RDF+FYM enriched with microbial consortia @ 1 t ha-1 (S4) compared to other INM practices.

Climate Resilient Practices on Performance and Economics of Transplanted Pigeonpea and Sunflower Intercropping in Vertisol of Northern Karnataka

: transplanted pigeonpea and sunflower intercropping system at A field experiment was conducted during 2019 to evaluate Kharif different dates of sowing and fertilizers. Treatment combinations consists of two sowing time and eight intercropping system replicated thrice. Pigeonpea transplanted in second fortnight of July recorded significantly higher grain yield, equivalent yields of pigeonpea (PEY) and sunflower (SEY), over second fortnight of August. However, higher sunflower seed yield and oil content was in second fortnight of August sowing. Among intercropping systems, sole pigeonpea and sunflower recorded significantly higher seed yield (2254 and 1781 kg ha ) over -1sole drilled pigeonpea as well as intercropping systems. Transplanted pigeonpea + sunflower (1:2) with RDF for both crops recorded superiorpigeonpea grain yield (1936 kg ha ), PEY (2914 kg ha ), SEY (3816 kg ha ), gross returns (Rs. 157680 ha ) and net returns (Rs. 108880 ha ) -1 -1 -1 -1 -1.Drilled pigeonpea + sunflower (1:1) considered as farmers practice recorded significantly greater sunflower seed yield (1382 kg ha ), -1 oil content (37.7 %) over rest of the combinations and B: C (3.49) . Transplanted pigeonpea was superior over drilled sown pigeonpea.

​Influence of Iron Coated Seeds on Time of Sowing in Wet Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Background: Wet direct seeding technique in rice, which aims to realize labour saving in paddy rice cultivation, has continued to gain popularity in recent years. Because the work of raising and transplanting seedlings can be omitted, wet direct seeding can make an important contribution to labour saving. In wet DSR, iron coated seed that is, seed is coated with iron powder, which increases its weight so that seed settle easily in water and forms a tough coating that preventing birds from eating the seeds. Methods: Studies were conducted during the year 2018 and 2019 at the Department of Rice, TNAU, Coimbatore on influence of iron coated seeds and time of sowing in wet direct seeded rice. Experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. In main plot, different time of sowing at weekly interval viz., first, second, third and fourth week of August sowing, where as in sub-plot iron coated seeds broadcasting in 1-2 mm water level condition; iron coated seeds broadcasting in wet condition; uncoated seeds broadcasting in 1-2 mm water level condition; uncoated seeds broadcasting in wet condition and normal method of transplanting. Result: The results indicated that iron coated seeds of variety Swarna, broadcasting in 1-2 mm water level condition during the first fortnight of August sowing resulted higher grain yield (5653 kg/ha) when compared delayed sowing. The Fe coating significantly increased grain yield over non-coating. Iron coated seeds recorded lesser occurrence of pest and disese incidence when compared to un-coated seeds.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates for the Management of Chilli Pests

The field experiment was conducted at Spices Research Centre, Shibganj, Bogra, Bangladesh during Rabi season of 2015-16 to assess the effect of varying sowing dates against insect pest of chilli. The treatments were T1= 30 August (1st sowing); T2= 15 September (2nd sowing); T3= 30 September (3rd sowing); T4= 15 October (4th sowing), T5= 30 October (5th sowing) and T6= 15 November (6th sowing). Sowing was done at 15 days interval from August to November in the experimental field. The results showed that the maximum mean aphid (9.27/leaf), thrips (10.77/leaf), mite(11.51/leaf) and fruit borer population like H. armigera and S.litura larvae (8.25 and 6.74/plant, respectively) were found in 15 November sowing and minimum number of those insect pest were present in 30 August sowing. Red ripe chilli yields were also found to differ in descending order as follows: 30 August (13.05 t/ha)> 15 September (12.70 t/ha)> 30 September (10.30 t/ha)> 15 October (8.41 t/ha)> 30 October (5.20 t/ha)> 15 November (3.10 t/ha). It was inferred that early sowing (30 August or 15 September) resulted in lower incidence of aphids, thrips, mite and fruit borer. Such low level of insect pest caused less crop injury which resulted in enhancing the red ripe yield of chilli. So, it is suggested that for early sowing of winter chilli, the appropriate planting time may be 30 August to 15 September.

Effects of planting dates on the growth and grain yield of two indigenous varieties of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) in a forest-savanna transition zone of Edo State, Nigeria

Effects of planting dates on the growth and grain yield of two indigenous varieties of pearl millet was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The experiment was a 2 × 5 factorial scheme fitted into a randomized complete block design with the two varieties of pearl millet (‘Gero Bida’ and ‘Gero Badeggi’) and five planting dates (April, May, June, July and August) replicated three times. The results obtained showed that delays in planting date significantly reduced growth in pearl millet examined. Similar pattern was observed on days to 50 % flowering and grain maturity. Improved growth with early sowing could have allowed increased availability of assimilates that later supported reproductive growth. These assimilates were remobilized under unfavourable climatic condition in the late cropping season to the reproductive structures. ‘Gero Badeggi’ sown in April, had significantly, the highest growth in the measured characters than ‘Gero Bida’ sown in August and other dates. ‘Gero Badeggi’ planted in May had the highest total grain yield (9.33 t ha-1) while ‘Gero Bida’ planted in July had the smallest (4.27 t ha-1). Therefore, ‘Gero Baddegi’ planted in May is a better variety for pearl millet grain production in Ekpoma.

Performance of oat (Avena sativa L.) sown in late summer for autumn forage production in Central Europe

AbstractSpring‐sown oat (Avena sativa L.) is well adapted for forage production in Central Europe; however, environmental conditions make this crop susceptible to crown rust disease (Puccinia coronata) when grown in summer. The objective of this study was to assess oat cultivars sown in late summer, when conditions for crown rust are less favourable, and harvest in autumn for forage with potential use for feeding lactating dairy cows. Three oat cultivars: Berdysz, Zuch and ForagePlus, the first two from Poland and the latter from United States, were sown 1 and 15 August, and 1 September, over three consecutive years, and harvested for forage in late October. The two Polish cultivars had 61% leaf area affected by rust with 1 August sowing, but ForagePlus was not affected by rust with any sowing date. Sowing 15 August significantly reduced crown rust incidence and increased DM yield of the Polish cultivars 21% relative to the 1 August sowing date, but decreased ForagePlus DM yield by 35%. Sowing 1 September resulted in best forage nutritive value, but the lowest DM yields for all cultivars. Calculated milk production per ton of forage for all cultivars was lowest with the 1 August sowing date. Calculated milk production per hectare was greatest for Berdysz sown in mid‐August. Oat can be sown 15 August and harvested in autumn for forage production, avoiding crown rust disease during summer in Poland. Nutritive value of autumn oat forage is adequate to meet forage requirements of lactating dairy cows.

Effect dates of sowing and cutting time on seed yield and quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) CV. RL-88

An experiment was carried to find out the effect of sowing dates and cutting time on seed yield and quality of alfalfa cv. RL-88. The results of the experiment revealed that, the significantly higher seed yield per plant (1.491 g), seed yield per plot (161.07 g) and seed yield (355.00 kg ha-1) was noticed in 15th August sowing and the cutting carried out at 60 days after sowing. Whereas, the seed quality parameters of the resultant seeds viz., highest seed germination (95.00 %), seedling length (13.90 cm), seedling dry weight (412.69 mg) and seedling vigour index (1320) found highest in15th August sowing and the cutting followed at 60 days after sowing.

Effect of row spacing and sowing time on seed yield, quality parameters and nutrient uptake of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] in semi arid climate of Southern Telanagana, India

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2013 and 2014 to study the effect of row spacing and sowing time on seed yield, galactomannan and protein content and nutrient uptake of guar in semi arid climate of Southern Telangana. The crop sown at row spacing of 30 cm recorded significantly higher seed yield than that of 45 cm and 60 cm spacing. Production and rainfall use efficiency and harvest index besides growth and yield attributes, galactomannan and protein yields, N, P and K uptake were also significantly higher at 30 cm spacing. Sowing of guar during first or second fortnight of July resulted in significantly higher seed yield than first fortnight of August sowing. Production efficiency, plant height, number of clusters plant-1 and protein yield followed the similar trend of seed yield. Negative relationship was observed between galactomannan content and sowing time. Though powdery mildew infection was higher in early sown crop and close crop spacing, higher plant population and biomass production resulted in higher seed yield of guar when compared to late sown crop and wider spacing.

The phenology and seed production of Cucumis melo as an invasive weed in northern Iran

Accurately representing plant development is essential for applying phenology knowledgement to investigate the effects of climate on weed management. Development in wild melon (Cucumis melo L.) is driven by temperature; thus, it could be simulated by thermal-time (TT) accumulation using limited accumulation when a lower optimum temperature (Topt) is exceeded. Experiments were conducted to investigate wild melon phenology (development rate) and seed production in soybean (Glycine max L.) at seven different sowing dates (April to August) in a completely randomised design (CRD) at Research Farm of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran, during 2012. Results indicated that a slight shift in developmental rates occurs among plantings dates, except for those plants sown in August. The estimated TT for April–August planting dates were ~411 Celcius degree days, 448 Celcius degree days, 733 Celcius degree days, 672 Celcius degree days, 604 Celcius degree days, 558 Celcius degree days and 251 Celcius degree days respectively. Depending on planting date, weed emergence occurred at 5–20 days after planting. During the 79, 75, 92, 81, 71, 67 and 61 days of wild-melon growth, the mean number of fruits per plant and seeds per fruit were significantly different at each sowing date. Wild melon could produce a lot of fruits and seeds (up to 5000) within a growth cycle (average in 75 days) and also weed management is needed during the May and June because of the highest seed production of wild melons that emerged during May. The results attained here suggest that temperature alone could not reflect the effect of environment on C. melo development at each given growth stage. Thus, other environmental factors, such as daylength, maybe needed to better estimate weed development. Future research may use multiplicative models to clarify this claim. These results highlighted the value of testing a model over a wide range of environments.

Modelling climate change impacts on and adaptation strategies for agriculture in Sardinia and Tunisia using AquaCrop and value-at-risk

In Europe, there is concern that climate change will cause significant impacts around the Mediterranean. The goals of this study are to quantify the economic risk to crop production, to demonstrate the variability of yield by soil texture and climate model and to investigate possible adaptation strategies. In the Rio Mannu di San Sperate watershed, located in Sardinia (Italy) we investigate production of wheat, a rainfed crop. In the Chiba watershed located in Cap Bon (Tunisia), we analyze irrigated tomato production.We find, using the FAO model AquaCrop that crop production will decrease significantly in a future climate (2040–2070) as compared to the present without adaptation measures. Using “value-at-risk”, we show that production should be viewed in a statistical manner. Wheat yields in Sardinia are modelled to decrease by 64% on clay loams, and to increase by 8% and 26% respectively on sandy loams and sandy clay loams. Assuming constant irrigation, tomatoes sown in August in Cap Bon are modelled to have a 45% chance of crop failure on loamy sands; a 39% decrease in yields on sandy clay loams; and a 12% increase in yields on sandy loams. For tomatoes sown in March; sandy clay loams will fail 81% of the time; on loamy sands the crop yields will be 63% less while on sandy loams, the yield will increase by 12%. However, if one assume 10% less water available for irrigation then tomatoes sown in March are not viable.Some adaptation strategies will be able to counteract the modelled crop losses. Increasing the amount of irrigation one strategy however this may not be sustainable. Changes in agricultural management such as changing the planting date of wheat to coincide with changing rainfall patterns in Sardinia or mulching of tomatoes in Tunisia can be effective at reducing crop losses.

Role of seed sowing time and microclimate on germination and seedling establishment of Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae) in a seasonal dry tropical environment — an insight into restoration efforts

Reintroduction of plants in a tropical forest is imperative not only to maintain remnant forests, but also to preserve the extant flora against global warming and other induced effects. The importance of seed sowing time and microclimate on seed germination and seedling establishment of Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. were investigated in Tamil Nadu, India, to provide information to assure the successful reintroduction of this species. A field experiment was conducted by sowing seeds (whose dormancy had been broken by hot water) in a natural environment at a depth of 3 cm in three microsites (artificially shaded, naturally shaded, and open) in February and August 2011. Seedling survival was monitored for 2 years at 6 month intervals under natural conditions. Soil temperature and light availability were measured. Soil temperature was moderate in shaded regions but light availability was low, and the opposite was true for the open site. Rainfall was a major trigger for stimulating germination. Seeds sown in August survived better after 2 years compared with those sown in February (p < 0.0001). Microsite significantly (p < 0.005) affected the total seedling survival with the percentage of successful seedlings established decreasing from the artificially shaded site to the open site. Seedling mortality in both groups mainly occurred during the dry summer season. The wet season benefited germination and seedling growth. We conclude that sowing seeds or planting seedlings of D. viscosa early in the wet season is beneficial to reintroduction success.

Effect of time of sowing and nitrogen fertilization on growth and yield of castor in vertisols under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal during kharif 2012 to study the effect of time of sowing and nitrogen fertilization on growth and yield of castor in vertisols under rainfed conditions. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The treatments consisted of four main plots (Time of sowing - II fortnight of June, I fortnight of July , II fortnight of July and I fortnight of August and four sub plots (Nitrogen levels :0,40,60,80 Kg/ha). Significantly highest castor bean yield was recorded with I F.N. of July sowing but it was at par with II F.N. of June sowing. Significantly lowest castor yield was recorded with I F.N of August sowing. Irrespective of time of sowing, increase in N fertilization from 0 to 80 kg/ha increased the castor yield significantly, highest being with 80 kg N /ha. Interaction effect of I F.N of July sowing with 80 kg of N/ha recorded the highest yield but was at par with II F.N. of July sowing at the same level of N. I F.N of July sowing with 80 kg/ha of nitrogen application recorded the highest gross and net returns and B: C ratio.

Chewing, Strong, and Slender Creeping Red Fescue Response to Sowing Time and Method

ABSTRACTDiversity of morphological features in red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) genotypes can be associated with responses to sowing time and method. Two‐replicate field experiments were performed for 3 yr in the same locality in Poland (53°09′N, 17°35′ E) aimed at investigating (i) the combined effect of sowing time and method (pure stands in April, middle and end of July, and middle of August or within spring barley [Hordeum vulgare L.] in April) and variety (F. rubra subsp. rubra strong creeping, Festuca rubra L. subsp. litoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier slender creeping, and F. rubra subsp. commutata Markgr.‐Dann. chewing) on plant characteristics and seed yield (SY) in the first and second production years (PYs) and (ii) the correlations among morphological features and SY. In both PYs, the highest SY was obtained with the strong creeping and the lowest with the chewing variety. In the first PY, the highest SY was obtained with pure sowing from April to end of July, while sowing within barley reduced SY. Red fescue sown in August produced zero to two tillers during the establishment year, which caused a reduction in generative tiller density (GTD) and SY in the first PY. The strong and slender creeping varieties gave similar total SY from two PYs with all sowing times and methods. Chewing fescue gave higher SY when sown in pure stands from April to end of July, compared with sowing in August. The GTD and number of spikelets per panicle had the largest positive direct effect on SY in both PYs. Thousand seed weight had a positive, direct effect on SY only in the first PY.

RESPONSE OF MATTHIOLA INCANA (L.) W. T. AITON TO CULTIVATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE

In relation to the favorable winter conditions in the Mediterranean areas, it could be possible to expand the production season of the stock (Matthiola incana L.), a very interesting specialty cut flower, through the use of unheated greenhouses. In this frame, the aim of this study was to evaluate the response of different stock cultivars grown in unheated greenhouse. Two different experimental trials were carried out. In the first trial the response of stock 'Maria' in relation to five sowing periods (February, April, June, August and November) was evaluated; in the second experiment the response of four cultivars ('Prousse Pink', 'Maria', 'Prousse White' and 'Prousse Red') sown in November was analyzed. In the first trial the production time ranged from 100 days in April sowing to 187 days in August one. However the production time affected the stem characteristics: in particular the fresh weight ranged from 71.1 to 308.1 g respectively for the sowing periods of April and August, while the robustness index was higher in the stems of August and November sowings. In the second trial the genotype affected stem characteristics and production time. The flowering time for ‘Prousse White’ and 'Prousse Pink' was in the early days of January while for 'Maria' and 'rousse Red' in March. The cultivar affected the fresh weight (from 141.3 g in 'Prousse Red' to 227.9 g in ‘Maria’) and length of the stem (from 85.2 cm in 'Prousse Pink' to 96.7 cm in ‘Maria’). Results showed that the unheated greenhouse is profitable to expand the production season of the stock but the choice of most suitable cultivar should be considered, to improve the yield and the quality characteristics of the stems.

Bunching Onion Culture in Greenhouse and Hoop House

Extending the season can provide opportunities for vegetable producers. Bunching onion, or scallions (Allium fistulosum L.), is a crop that can be a candidate for protected production used to extend the growing season. The cvs. Evergreen Hardy White (white), Deep Purple (red), and Nabechan F1 (white) were sown at monthly intervals from Sept. 2010 to Aug. 2011 in containers under greenhouse and hoop house conditions at Lane, OK. Days to harvest and yield variables were determined. Crop failure occurred in a greenhouse for all plants sown in July, for ‘Deep Purple’ sown in August, and for those sown in a hoop house in February and March and May through August, days to harvest was generally less for plants sown in the greenhouse, and for ‘Deep Purple’, but all plants took longer to reach marketable size than is indicated for field production. Yields for plants grown in the greenhouse were higher than for those grown in the hoop house. Greenhouse production provides more flexibility and protection from environmental conditions so that bunching onions can be grown for extended season production. However, environmental controls under greenhouse conditions need to be refined to reduce length of growing season while maintaining, or improving, yields of optimally sized plants. Programs to improve nutrition in school systems and introduction of “Farm to School” and “extended season” initiatives present opportunities for production of some vegetables including bunching onion, or scallions. “Farm to School” programs allow the use of fresh, locally grown foods to be incorporated into school menus. Bunching onions can be used fresh or prepared items. Use of protected culture in greenhouses and hoop houses may allow for extended season production of these onions so that they can be used during non-typical growing periods especially, when locally produced field-grown crops are not available.