Bulb Production Research Articles

Incidência de tripes (<i>Thrips tabaci</i>) em populações superadensadas de cebola submetidas a doses de nitrogênio e seu efeito na biomassa dos bulbos

The study aimed to verify the incidence of thrips in higher population densities subjected to doses of nitrogen and its possible effects on the biomass production of onion bulbs. The treatments were four plant densities (400, 600, 800 thousand plants ha-1 and 1 million plants ha-1) subjected to two doses of nitrogen (150 and 200 kg N ha-1). The higher temperatures in the initial development and the absence of rain from the end of August to the end of September lead to an early incidence of thrips above the level of economic damage. The incidence of thrips is reduced linearly with increasing plant density, not being influenced by doses of up to 200 kg N ha-1. The use of nitrogen doses above 150 kg N ha-1, even in populations of one million plants per hectare, does not increase the biomass of onion bulbs. Population densities above 600 thousand plants ha-1 reduce the fresh and dry biomass of onion bulbs.

Enhancing Iris tingitana cv. Wedgewood productivity with chemical, bio-fertilizers and irrigation

This study aimed to investigate the impact of various fertilization methods and doses on the growth, flowering, and chemical composition of Iris tingitana cv. Wedgewood plants. The research aimed to address challenges hindering Iris plant development and bulb production, ultimately striving to cultivate high-quality plants suitable for Egyptian conditions. Conducted over two seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) at the Horticulture Research Institute’s nursery of the Agriculture Research Center in Giza, Egypt, the experiment followed a factorial design with a randomized complete design (RCD) and three replicates. Results revealed that plants treated with 5 g/pot of phosphorein and 2 g/pot of kristalon, with irrigation intervals every 10 days after sowing (DAS), exhibited superior growth parameters. These included increased vegetative growth in terms of height, stem length, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of cut spikes, diameter of the spike stem, and earliest flowering compared to other treatments across both seasons. Conversely, the application of 2 g/pot of kristalon and nitrobine, combined with irrigation intervals every 10 DAS, ranked second in enhancing plant growth and flowering characteristics in both seasons.

Crop geometry and nutrient (N-P-K-S) management for kharif onion bulb (Allium cepa) crop

The experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2020 and 2021 at College of Agriculture (Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan), Sumerpur, Pali, Rajasthan to find out the optimal quantity of N-P-K-S nutrients and appropriate crop geometry to maximize the productivity and bulb quality of onion (Allium cepa L.). The experiment was conducted in split-plot design (SPD) by means of 3 levels of N-P-K-S nutrients in main plots and 5 crop geometries under sub-plot, replicated thrice. Widest crop geometry (15 cm × 15 cm) with highest level of nutrients (140 N-80 P-80 K-40 S) resulted in highest tallness of plant (97.8 cm), maximum leaves (19/plant), root length (9.9 cm), number of roots/plant (139.8), average bulb weight (133.9 g) and harvest index (51.2). Saleable bulbs (43.6 t/ ha), total income (6753.8 USD), net income (5462.6 USD) and Benefit: cost (B:C) ratio (4.23) was the highest in 10 cm × 10 cm geometry with highest level of N-P-K-S nutrients. Maximum biological production (125.8 t/ha), bulb production (61.8 t/ha) was observed at closest geometry (7.5 cm × 7.5 cm) with highest level of N-P-K-S nutrients. It was confirmed by experimentation, that the onion seedling should be transplanted at 10 cm × 10 cm geometry with 140 N-80 P-80 K-40 S kg/ha nutrients in medium fertile sandy loam soil in arid agro-climatic condition for maximum saleable good quality onion bulbs production.

PENGENDALIAN HAMA ULAT GRAYAK (Spodoptera Exigua Hubner) DENGAN SISTEM LAMPU PERANGKAP PADA BAWANG MERAH (Allium Ascalonicum L.Var. Aggregatum) DI KECAMATAN ANGGERAJA KABUPATEN ENREKANG

This research was conducted with the aim of knowing how to control armyworm pests (Spodoptera exigua Hubner) by using yellow LED (Light Emitting Diode) trap lights and white LED (Light Emitting Diode) trap lights on shallot plants. The results of this study indicate that. The number of imago on white LED lights caught more Spodoptera Exigua imago in the research basin. that the average Spodoptera exigua pest on shallot plants was significantly different or there was a significant difference in the treatment of the yellow LED trap lights and the white LED trap lights. The use of plants on land without light traps has increased. Lower maintenance wet bulb production without trapping lights

Bulb growth parameters of wild geophyte, giant snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii Hook. f.) in different media and nutrient solution recipes

Giant snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii Hook. f.) is reported on CITES lists as the most important wild-collected export flower bulb of Turkey. After the destruction caused by extensive collecting for many years, collection and trade have been controlled by the government since the late 1980’s. Export quotas are annually set by a technical committee, following field inspections by scientific teams. Small bulbs (under-sized) are also unintentionally collected from nature together with marketable sized bulbs (> 4 cm). Low success rate at cultivation of field grown snowdrop and loss of these small bulbs reveals the necessity of the studies on soilless culture. This study aimed to select the suitable growing media and mineral nutrition for snowdrop bulb production. Under-sized (unmarketable) bulbs of Galanthus elwesii Hook. f. were cultivated in four different growing media (perlite, coco-peat, soil, or spent mushroom compost + perlite) with four different nutrient solutions. The growing media affected most of the investigated parameters (sprouting time, sprouting ratio, total weight and increase ratio, number of harvested bulbs, and bulb grades). No significant effect of nutrient solutions was determined on the parameters. Spent mushroom compost + perlite appeared to be the most effective growing media.

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.

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.

Identification and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Species Associated with Onion Basal Rot in the Moscow Region of Russian Federation.

Fusarium basal rot of onions causes large losses during storage of commercial production of onion bulbs, which in turn adversely affects the food market situation in the off-season period. There are no data on the composition of Fusarium spp., which causes onion basal rot in the Russian Federation. Therefore, our research was aimed at Fusarium spp. causing onion basal rot in the Moscow Region of the Russian Federation and studying the pathogenicity of these species for the host plant. We studied 20 isolates of Fusarium spp. collected from affected mature bulbs and seed bulbs. Species identification of the isolates was carried out using analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the three genetic loci ITS, tef1 and rpb2, as well as was based on the macro- and micromorphological characteristics of these isolates. As a result, the species F. annulatum (F. fujikuroi species complex), F. oxysporum (F. oxysporum species complex), F. acuminatum (F. tricinctum species complex) and F. solani (F. solani species complex) were identified to involve in the pathogenesis of Fusarium basal rot. We have shown for the first time that the species F. annulatum and F. acuminatum are highly aggressive and capable of causing onion basal rot. The predominant species were F. annulatum and F. oxysporum. The proportion of these species in the total number of analyzed isolates was 60% and 25%, respectively. The largest proportion (33%) of highly aggressive on mature bulbs isolates was found in the species F. annulatum. The data obtained provide practical insights for developing strategies to manage Fusarium fungi responsible for onion basal rot Moscow Region of the Russian Federation. In addition, data about species composition and aggressive isolates may be used in onion breeding for resistance to Fusarium basal rot.

Technical feasibility and economic benefit of combined shallot seedlings techniques in Indonesia

Abstract One of the important factors in the success of True Seed of Shallot (TSS)-based shallot production is the right seeding technology. The study aimed to obtain appropriate nursery techniques for producing high-quality seedlings to increase shallot productivity. The experiment was conducted in Cirebon Regency, West Java, Indonesia, from May to October 2021, using a factorial randomized block design with three treatment factors and three replications. They consisted of shallot varieties (V) (Trisula, Bima, Lokananta, and Maserati); seedlings age (U) (45 and 60 days); and seedling population density (P) (5, 7.5, and 10 g m−2 of TSS). The results revealed that seedling performance was negatively correlated to the bulb yield and revenue cost ratio (R/C). The use of young seedlings enhanced bulb production and R/C ratio in all varieties but had varied effects on cluster alterations in Maserati, Bima, and Trisula varieties. Young Lokananta seedlings prepared in the nursery at a seed density of 7.5 g m−2 proved to be the best treatment to generate the highest bulb production (39.92 t ha−1) and the highest R/C (3.62). Farmers are expected to implement seedling preparation techniques using young seedlings and managing seed populations in diverse varieties to maximize bulb production and R/C.

Effect of Transplanting Date and Harvesting Period on Bulb Production of Winter Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Climate change has brought about unpredictable temperature fluctuations and altered rainfall patterns, which directly impact onion cultivation. Adjustment in planting and harvesting schedules in the context of changing climate and environmental factors is not only academically significant but also holds practical implications for agriculture, resource management, climate adaptation, economic development, and food security in Bangladesh. The present study was carried out to observe the influence of the transplanting and harvesting time on maximizing onion production. The experiment followed a RCB design with three replications, involving the cultivation of BARI Piaz-1 as the test crop with varying transplanting dates on November 1st, November 15th, and December 1st, and harvesting periods at 120, 130, and 140 days after planting (DAP). The study's results indicated that the choice of transplanting date and harvesting period had significantly influenced onion yield and yield attributes. Improved performances, including increase in plant height, number of leaves per plant, neck diameter, bulb diameter, bulb length, bulb weight, and overall yield were observed when onions were transplanted on November 15th and harvested after 130 days from planting. The highest yields, specifically 10.32 t/ha in 2018 and 11.33 /ha in 2019, were achieved under this conditions. Conversely, the lowest yields 6.28 t/ha in 2018 and 6.70 /ha in 2019 were obtained when onions were transplanted on December 1st and harvested after 120 days from planting. Additionaly, early planting (November 1st) exhibited a higher incidence of bolting, while late planting (December 1st) showed a higher disease incidence. Therefore, optimizing transplanting dates to align with November 15th and a 130-day harvesting period proved to be the most effective strategy for maximizing onion yield and other attributes, while late planting and early harvesting adversely affected these key attributes.

A Review on Flower Bulb Micropropagation: Challenges and Opportunities

This comprehensive review scrutinizes tissue culture and micropropagation methodologies in geophytes, focusing on bulbous plants. The examination encompasses key stages, including somatic embryogenesis, bulb growth, dormancy breaking, and planting. Studies underscore the pivotal role of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in plant regeneration and bulb growth. Bioreactor systems for healthy plant regeneration, rooting methods, acclimatization strategies, and considerations for ex vitro survival are elucidated. The review also delves into somaclonal variation dynamics and acknowledges the burgeoning field of gene editing, particularly Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) studies, as a promising avenue for enhancing valuable compound content in geophytes. In addition to addressing challenges in flower bulb micropropagation, this review briefly highlights emerging opportunities, including the potential integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize culture conditions, predict growth parameters, and enhance efficiency in bulb production. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of a multifaceted approach integrating biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology to address existing challenges and improve tissue culture protocols for diverse geophyte species. This review article also intends to highlight how tissue culture techniques could contribute to the development and valorization of flower bulbs in today’s scenario of the ornamental industry.

Effects of Priming on Onion Seed Germination and Field Performance during Summer Sowing

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the suitable to priming treatments on seed germination, bulb production and quality of onion.
 Study Design: The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was conducted in Horticulture farm at Sher-e Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from April to October 2021.
 Methodology: Seeds were immersed in each priming media for 12 and 24 hours, including distilled water, IAA (100 ppm), KCl (2.5%), and PEG-6000 (10%). The treatments were consisted of T1 (water 12 hr)), T2 (water 24 hr), T3 (PEG 12 hr), T4 (PEG 24 hr), T5 (IAA 12 hr), T6 (IAA 24 hr), T7 (KCl 12 hr) and T8 (KCl 24 hr).
 Results: The maximum germination percentage (93%), plant height (25.93 cm), total chlorophyll (28.47 mg/g) of onion leaves, bulb yield (19.96 t/ha), total soluble solid (14.05 °Brix), reducing sugar (7.41%), and phenolic content (11.12 mg/100 g) of onion bulbs were recorded in the T3 treatment. However, the maximum fresh leaves/plant at bulb formation stage (3.73) and ascorbic acid content of onion bulb (7.20 mg/100 g) was recorded in T4 treatment.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that seed priming with PEG6000 (10%) for 12 hours improved growth, yield, and quality compared to other priming treatments.

Irrigation and nitrogen fertigation on quality and minerals parameters of garlic (Allium sativum) cultivar Solan Selection

Improving bulb yield, minerals and quality is a major challenge in garlic bulb production. In this study, the effects of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the quality and mineral content of garlic cultivar Solan Selection were investigated. The research was conducted over two consecutive winter seasons in 2016-17 and 2017-18, utilizing 12 different treatment combinations in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results indicated that increased nitrogen input led to a significant improvement in total soluble solid (TSS) and dry matter yield, resulting in higher garlic bulb yields. Similarly, an increased irrigation schedule also improved TSS and dry matter yield in garlic bulbs. Furthermore, the interaction between irrigation schedule and nitrogen fertigation had a positive impact on TSS and dry matter yield across cropping seasons. Combining increased nitrogen input and irrigation further enhanced TSS and dry matter yield, although there was no significant improvement in dry matter content and mineral (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) contents in garlic bulbs. The study also revealed a strong positive correlation between nitrogen input and irrigation schedule concerning quality and mineral contents. These findings suggest that adopting high nitrogen input practices (100% of RDN) with increased irrigation (IW/CPE=1.2) can enhance garlic cultivar Solan Selection's dry matter yield, quality, and mineral content

First Report of Root and Bulb Rot Caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-6 on Lanzhou Lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) in China.

Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) is the only famous sweet lily variety that has high edible, medicinal and ornamental value in China, which is mostly planted in the middle areas of Gansu Province in China. In recent years, severe yellowing and wilting of leaves, stem wilt, root and bulb rot symptoms were observed on Lanzhou lily in Qilihe District, Lanzhou, which has resulted in serious loss of bulb production. From June to August 2022, a survey of Lanzhou lily disease was carried out in Xiguoyuan and Weiling township of Qilihe District, Lanzhou. Typical symptoms of root and bulb rot were observed in Lanzhou lily fields. The disease incidence was estimated up to 30%. Fragments of symptomatic roots and bulbs were surface sterilized with 75% ethanol for 10 s, 2% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, washed three times with sterilized distilled water, and then blotted dry on sterile filter paper. Fragments were placed on PDA medium and incubated at 25 ± 1°C in darkness for 5 days and 2 isolates were purified by the single-tip culture. Colonies of the fungus were white initially, and then turned light brown to brown, raised, and with entire or undulate edges. Sclerotia were brown and produced on PDA after 25 days of incubation at 25 ± 1°C in the dark. Genomic DNA from each of the two isolates was extracted, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified and sequenced with the primer pair ITS5/ITS4 (White et al. 1990). The sequences of strains QLH22LD01 and QLH22LD02 were deposited in GenBank (OR710804 and OR710805). Phylogenetic analyses were performed using the Maximum Likelihood method with ITS sequences for anastomosis groups (AG) of Rhizoctonia solani. The phylogenetic tree grouped the two isolates within the R. solani AG-6 clade with high bootstrap support (100%). PCR analysis was performed with 21 primers specifically designed to detect individual anastomosis groups or anastomosis subgroups of R. solani (Carling et al., 2002; Misawa and Kurose, 2019; Misawa et al., 2020; Okubara et al., 2008). Among the 21 specific primer pairs, only AG-6 specific primer amplified the fungal DNA, indicating that the two isolates tested belonged to the R. solani AG-6. Therefore, these two strains were identified as R. solani AG-6. For pathogenicity tests, two isolates were grown individually on sterile wheat kernels at 25 ± 1°C for 14 days. Certified pathogen-free Lanzhou lily bulbs were grown in the plastic pot filled with the sterilized soil. Fifteen 2- week-old plants were inoculated by digging the soil and burying ten infested wheat kernels in the soil adjacent to the roots. Control plants were inoculated with sterile wheat kernels using the same procedure. All plants were placed in a greenhouse with a 12h/12h light/dark photoperiod at 15 to 30°C. Fifty days after inoculation, typical root and bulb rot symptoms developed on all inoculated plants, similar to symptoms observed in the field, whereas control plants remained symptomless. Pathogenicity test was performed three times with similar to symptoms observed in the field. Finally, the fungi were reisolated from the symptomatic plants and identified by molecular analysis as the isolates used for inoculation, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of R. solani AG-6 causing root and bulb rot on Lanzhou lily in China. Our findings improve knowledge about R. solani AGs occurring in Lanzhou lily fields in China. Due to serious damages caused by this disease in recent years in China, further studies should be conducted to investigate the diversity, prevalence, disease control measures and fungicide sensitivity of AGs distributed in the main Lanzhou lily-producing states in China.

Bulb production of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. Prajwal as influenced by NPK, FYM, and vermicompost

Commercial bulb production is an important aspect in the floriculture industry for ornamental Plants propagated through bulbs, asexually. Production of optimum bulb size is crucial in tuberose, as it influences the plant characteristics, flowering and yield parameters. The present study investigated the response of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Lin.) to organic amendments (FYM, vermicompost) and recommended dose of NPK in terms of bulb production. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments and was replicated 3 times. The treatment combinations were T1 (Control), T2 (Recommended dose of NPK/60:30:45 kg/ha), T3 (FYM @25 tons/ha), T4 (FYM @50 tons/ha), T5 (FYM @75 tons/ha), T6 (Vermicompost @10 tons/ha), T7 (Vermicompost @20 tons/ha), T8 (Vermicompost @30 tons/ha), T9 (FYM + Vermicompost @25 tons/ha + 10 tons/ha), T10 (FYM + Vermicompost @50 tons/ha + 20 tons/ha) and T11 (FYM + Vermicompost @75 tons/ ha + 30 tons/ha). Treatment T11 had the highest bulblet the world diameter, mother bulb diameter (4.69 cm), bulblet weight (7.34 g), mother bulb weight (69.02 g), maximum number of bulbs/clump (29.10), clump weight (214.44 g) and 1.50 kg bulb yield/unit area. Thus, treatment T11 was found to be the best treatment combination among all the treatments in terms of bulb production

Propagation, development phases and domestication of <i>Cyperus</i> <i>rotundus</i> L. in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Cyperus rotundus Linn. is a potentially valuable aromatic plant given its ability to synthesise essential oil and the variety of traditional uses associated with it. The valorisation of this plant would imply the exploitation of a significant quantity of its biomass, which cannot be obtained from the wild. The aim of this study was to determine the best methods for regeneration and the development phases of C. rotundus, in order to ensure the continuous availability of its biomass. The mode of natural regeneration and the state of domestication of C. rotundus by local populations were investigated through surveys of traditional healers and herbalists. In addition, ex situ regeneration trials were carried out using vegetative propagation from bulbs and seed germination. The vegetative propagation was assessed by estimating the lag time and percentage regeneration of the bulbs, while the seed germination percentage was evaluated. The development phases of the plant were identified following the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie) scale. The yield was calculated from the underground biomass of the bulbs produced at the end of the plant life cycle. The results showed that C. rotundus regenerates naturally from bulbs and rarely from seeds. In the Western Highlands of Cameroon, traditional practitioners and herbalists have begun domesticating C. rotundus on a small scale. Propagation attempts from seed were unsuccessful in the present study. However, from bulbs, a lag time of 10 days was observed and a regeneration percentage of 88% obtained after 47 days. Five phases of development were identified including emergence (0), bolting (1), flowering (2), maturation (3) and senescence (4). The production of bulbs, which are organs containing the essential oils, was observed from the bolting phase. The biomasses of about 383, 493 and 520 kg/ha were obtained during phase 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The best propagation method and the development phases of Cyperus rotundus investigated in this work could contribute to an advance in the domestication process in order to ensure its availability and sustainability.

Evaluating hydroponic cultivation for ornamental bulbous species to enhance flowering and bulb production in a changing climate

Evaluating hydroponic cultivation for ornamental bulbous species to enhance flowering and bulb production in a changing climate

Foliar application of chitosan and plant probiotic bacteria influencing the growth, productivity and bulb storage life of onion

Onion having several health promoting phytochemical contents is an important spices in most of the countries of the world as well as vegetables in particular and chitosan and plant probiotic bacteria are few proven natural growth enhancing agents. Here, three bio-stimulants namely Chitosan (100 and 200 ppm), Paraburkholderia BRRh-4 bacteria (1.5 × 109 CFU mL-1) and Clybio (0. 1%) in singly as well as combining one another were applied at twelve different treatment combinations including control with the aim of investigating the below and above ground vegetative growth, bulb productivity and post-harvest storage performance of onion cv. “Taherpuri”. The experiment was set up in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) maintaining three replicates and conducted during November 2019 to June 2020 where the bio-stimulant formulations were sprayed in the foliage at 20, 40 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT). Reproductive behaviors of the onion cultivar differed significantly among the treatments and those were the resultants of statistically varied vegetative performances recorded at 30, 60 and 90 DAT. Chitosan @ 100 ppm + Clybio (0.1%) + Paraburkholderia BRRh-4 (1.5 × 109 CFU mL-1) combination exhibited statistical superiority over the other treatments in terms of plant height (53.230 cm), number of leaves (10.13/plant), leaf length (41.20 cm) and diameter (10.33 mm), number of roots (32.53/plant), root length (12.23 cm), neck and bulb diameter (11.20 mm and 4.83 cm, respectively) and bulbing ratio (0.23) at 90 DAT. While, shoot and root growth didn’t vary significantly at earlier stages (at 30 DAT). Again, the highest yield (3.36 kg/plot and 10.45 t/ha) was also obtained from Chitosan @ 100 ppm + Clybio (0.1%) + Paraburkholderia BRRh-4 (1.5 × 109 CFU ml-1) treatment. The combination of chitosan and probiotic bacteria had significant influence on post-harvest storage qualities of onion where the longest shelf life/marketable life (8.17 months) with the lowest physiological weight loss and bulb rotting at 90 days after harvest was administered in Chitosan @ 100 ppm + Clybio (0.1%) + Paraburkholderia BRRh-4 (1.5 × 109 CFU mL-1) treatment. Besides the best treatment, Chitosan @ 100 ppm + Clybio (0.1%) and Chitosan @ 100 ppm + Paraburkholderia BRRh-4 (1.5 × 109 CFU mL-1) produced statistically superior results over control for onion growth and development. Therefore, chitosan and plant probiotic bacteria can be judiciously used for quality onion production in the warm and humid areas of the world

Integrated Nutrient Managemen For Improving Plant Growth, Flowering And Bulb Production In Hyacinthcv. Yellow Stone

The present investigation entitled “Integrated Nutrient Management for improving plant growth, flowering and bulb production in Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) cv. Yellow Stone” was carried out at the Floriculture experimental field SKUAST-K during the year 2018-19. Biofertilizers were applied to the bulbs at planting time using the dip method followed by shade drying before planting. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 15 treatments replicated three times. The results of the study revealed that the treatment T15 significantly improved vegetative, floral, and bulb characteristics. Treatment combination containing 80% RFD + Vermicompost (12 tons ha-1) + Biofertilizers (PSB + KSB +Azotobacter) resulted in a minimum number of days taken to bulb sprouting (75.83days), first leaf appearance (81.50days), second leaf appearance (83.50days), third leaf appearance (85.33days), bud appearance (88.33 days) , color break (99.58days), complete flower formation(109.83days), maximum plant height (18.40cm), leaf length (13.87cm), leaf width (2.45cm), length of a spike (18.06cm), Spike thickness (7.90mm), number of leaves per plant (23.83), number of florets per spike (20.33), the diameter of inflorescence (7.06cm), length of inflorescence (7.10cm), duration of flowering (18.33days), bulb weight (40.22g), bulb size(11.52cm), number of offsets per bulb (3.83), weight of offsets per bulb (20.17g).

PEMANFAATAN LAMPU PERANGKAP UNTUK MENGENDALIKAN POPULASI ULAT BAWANG, SPODOPTERA EXIGUA HUBNER (LEPIDOPTERA : NOCTUIDAE) PADA PERTANAMAN BAWANG MERAH

ABSTRACT
 Since ancient times, the onion (Allium cepa L.) has been known as a food and medicinal plant. Shallot plants have been widely cultivated and consumed all over the world. Shallot planting cannot be separated from the problem of plant-disturbing organisms, especially Spodoptera exigua pests. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of trap lights on the intensity of S. exigua attacks on onion plants. This field experiment compares two types of trap lamp treatment, namely yellow and blue trap lights, to the intensity of S. exigua pest attacks on onion plants. The results showed that the average intensity of S. exigua attacks on yellow trap light treatment was lower (10.63%) than on blue trap lamp treatment (11.05%). The total production of shallot wet bulbs in the yellow light trap treatment was around 4.66 tons/ha lower than the blue light trap of 6.86 tons/ha. Analysis of the T-test of both treatments showed markedly different results only in observations of 7 and 23 days after planting. 
 
 Keywords: Allium cepa L, Attack intensity, LED, Light trap, Spodoptera exigua.