Growth Of Onion Research Articles

Enhancing bulb yield through nitrogen fertilization and the use of hybrid onion (Alluim cepa L.) varieties in northwest Ethiopia.

Onions are among the most important cash crops in developing countries, including Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity are very low, which is associated with inappropriate fertilization and the use of low-yielding varieties. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the nitrogen fertilizer rate on the growth, yield, and quality of hybrid onion varieties in northwest Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted at three locations (Koga, Woreta, and Woramit) during the 2021/2022 cropping season under irrigated conditions. The treatments consisted of three hybrid onion varieties (Russet, Jambar, Red Coach) and one open-pollinated onion variety (Bombay Red) and four nitrogen rates (0, 41, 82, and 123 kg ha-1), which were laid out in a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement of 4*4 in three replications. The results of the present study revealed that onion growth, yield and quality were influenced by the nitrogen fertilizer rate and onion variety across all locations. Compared with the open pollinated Bombay Red variety, the hybrid varieties (Russet and Jambar) performed well in terms of bulb diameter, bulb weight, total yield, marketable bulb yield, and pungency. Nitrogen fertilizer applied at a rate of 82 kg ha-1 resulted in the highest growth and yield parameters of onion. The Russet and Jambar varieties recorded the highest marketable bulb yields of 26.50 t ha-1 and 24.57 t ha-1, respectively. Onion varieties treated with the highest nitrogen fertilizer dosage of 123 kg ha-1, particularly the Bombay Red variety, exhibited the longest duration to reach maturity. Onion plants supplied with 82 kg ha-1 nitrogen presented the highest marketable bulb yields, with a value of 26.77 t ha-1. Too much nitrogen above 82 kg ha-1 leads to decreased yield; hence, excess nitrogen is lost to the environment. Furthermore, the Jambar and Russet hybrid varieties and the application of 82 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizers provided the highest net benefit. The hybrid varieties Jambar and Russet and the application of 82 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer can be recommended for onion production in the study area and areas with similar agroecosystems. Since this study is the first of its kind, considering other hybrid onion varieties and optimizing agronomic practices such as spacing and phosphorus fertilizer are also recommended in future research.

Onion Growth and Bulb Enlargement Cultivated in Gray Lowland and Andosol Soils

Onion Growth and Bulb Enlargement Cultivated in Gray Lowland and Andosol Soils

Effect of vermicompost and compost tea on the growth and yield of onions

Effect of vermicompost and compost tea on the growth and yield of onions

Effects of plant and row spacing and nitrogen levels on growth, yield and economics of onion (Allium cepa L.) in Khost, Afghanistan

Effects of plant and row spacing and nitrogen levels on growth, yield and economics of onion (Allium cepa L.) in Khost, Afghanistan

Effect of growth stimulants on growth and bulb yield of onion

Effect of growth stimulants on growth and bulb yield of onion

Growth, Yield and Economic Advantage of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties in Response to NPSB Fertilizer and Planting Pattern

Haphazard and low soil fertility, low yielding verities and poor agronomic practices are among the major factors constraining onion production in the central rift valley of Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in East Showa Zone of Adami Tulu Jido Combolcha district in central rift valley areas at ziway from October 2021 to April 2022 to identify appropriate rate of NPSB fertilizer and planting pattern of onion varieties. The experiment was laid out in split plot design of factorial arrangement in three replications. The main effect of NPSB blended fertilizer rates and varieties (red coach and red king) significantly (p<0.01) influenced plant height, leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf number and fresh leaf weight, shoot dry matter per plant, and harvest index. Total dry biomass, bulb diameter, neck diameter, average fresh bulb weight, bulb dry matter, marketable bulb yield, and total bulb yield were significantly (p<0.01) influenced only by the main effect of NPSB blended fertilizer rates. In addition, unmarketable bulb yield was statistically significantly affected (p≥0.05) by the blended fertilizer rates and planting pattern. Moreover, days to 90% maturity of onion was affected by the main factor of NPSB fertilizer rate, variety and planting pattern. The non-fertilized plants in the control treatment were inferior in all parameters except unmarketable bulb yield and harvest index. Significantly higher marketable bulb yield (41 t ha-1) and total bulb yield (41.33 t ha-1) was recorded from 300 kg ha-1 NPSB blended fertilizer rate applied. Double row planting method and hybrid red coach onion variety had also gave higher growth and yields. The study revealed that the highest net benefit of Birr, 878,894 with lest cost of Birr 148,006 by the combinations of 150 kg blended NPSB ha-1 with double row planting method (40cm*20cm*7cm) and red coach variety which can be recommendable for higher marketable bulb yield and economic return of hybrid onion for small scale farmers in the study area. Also, for resource full producers (investors), highest net benefit of Birr 1,205,372 with higher cost (159,628 Birr) by application of 300 kg NPSB ha-1 is recommended as a second option. However, the research should be replicated both in season and areas to more verify the recommendations.

Growth, yield and economics of white onion (Allium cepa L.) as influenced by different land designs and foliar application of bio-stimulants in Konkan region of India

Growth, yield and economics of white onion (Allium cepa L.) as influenced by different land designs and foliar application of bio-stimulants in Konkan region of India

Optimizing plant growth, nutrient uptake, and yield of onion through the application of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and endophytic fungi.

The application of mineral fertilizers deteriorates soil properties and affects crop yield and nutritional properties. However, plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM- Serendipita indica, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM)) have great potential to reduce fertilizers and improve soil fertility, crop yield, and nutrient uptake and mitigate the environmental effect of mineral fertilizers. Hence, a field experiment was conducted involving nine treatments to evaluate the effects of PGPM along with 50% or 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizers on plant growth, soil fertility, nutrient uptake, and onion productivity. Results indicated that 100% RDF combined with S. indica or PSB led to improved plant growth, and higher nutrient concentrations in both leaves and bulbs of onions compared to RDF alone. Moreover, the application of 100% RDF with S. indica increased total dry matter yield by 11.5% and 7.6% in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons, respectively, compared to 100% RDF alone. This treatment also resulted in the highest nutrient uptake, with N uptake increasing by 6.9%-29.9%, P by 13.7%-21.7%, K by 20.0%-23.7%, and S by 18.1%-23.4%. Additionally, the combination of 100% RDF with S. indica inoculation led to a notable increase in bulb yield, with increments of 16.2% and 13.9% observed in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, respectively, compared to 100% RDF alone. Similarly, the application of 100% RDF along with PSB inoculation resulted in an increase in bulb yield by 7.2% and 9.4% in the respective years. However, VAM did not exhibit satisfactory performance or improvements in the onion crop. Overall, the study suggests that combining 100% RDF with S. indica or PSB can enhance onion productivity and nutrient use efficiency. The present study may open a new avenue of PGPM application in enhancing onion yield and improving the bulb quality as well as soil health. However, field trials across different regions and soil types are necessary to validate these findings for practical adoption by farmers.

Influence of topsoil manure mix on affects germination in Pea and Onion seeds

Nutrient-rich southern chernozems have lost a significant part of their fertility during their exploitation in agrocenoses. The decrease in the fertility of the surface layer of soils in the steppe landscapes of the Orenburg Cis-Urals contributed to a decrease in the yield of grain crops and an increase in the volume of applied mineral fertilizers. The use of reverse technology of mechanical tillage contributed to the weathering of the surface fertile soil layer and its degradation. Plowing of the Orenburg steppes for agrocenoses led to a decrease in the number of wild ungulates and their adaptation to new living conditions in agrocenoses. Our work was devoted to modeling the process of the influence of the soil-manure mixture of the surface layer of southern chernozem and the manure of large phytophages on the germination of pea and onion seeds in laboratory conditions. Changes in the composition of bacterial communities during the preparation of the soil-manure mixture are one of the factors influencing the germination and morphometric growth parameters of onion and pea seeds. There is no doubt that the nutritional composition of the manure of large phytophages is of decisive importance for stimulating the growth of onions and peas. However, the differences we have shown in the bacterial composition of soil-manure mixtures of two large phytophages raises the problem of increasing or decreasing the nutritional value of the soil-manure mixture depending on the composition of the microbial communities of the manure of large phytophages.

Growth and trend analysis of onion production in Bangladesh

Onion is a major spice crop that is grown and consumed extensively in Bangladesh and across the world. The present study was carried out with the goal of analyzing the growth and trend of area, production and yield of onion in Bangladesh. Annual area, production, and yield data of onion in Bangladesh were collected from FAOSTAT for 50 years from 1970 to 2019. The semi-log model and compound growth model were used to investigate the growth of onion whereas exponential trend model was employed to estimate the trend of area, production, and yield of onion in Bangladesh. According to the growth rate and trend line estimates, the area under the onion crop has been augmented over time. Specifically, the semi-log model findings show that the onion area, production and yield grew by on an average 3.87%, 5.46% and 1.58% per year, respectively. The compound annual growth rate estimate indicated significant growth of onion area, production and yield from 2015 to 2019. The exponential trend line for onion area, production and yield showed slow growth rate from 1970 to 1990 but relatively faster growth later on. These evaluations may aid the government in balancing demand and supply, as well as in regulating the price of onion in local markets Bangladesh. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. 27(2):201-210

Assessment of salt and drought stress on the biochemical and molecular functioning of onion cultivars.

Salt and drought stress are the main environmental constraints that limit onion growth and productivity. Türkiye is the fifth largest onion producer, whereas the stress conditions are increasing in the region, resulting in poor crop growth. A current study was conducted under greenhouse conditions according to a completely randomized design with factorial arrangements to evaluate the performance of onion cultivars. Plants were subjected to salt stress with an application of 750 mM NaCl and drought stress was applied by depriving plants of irrigation water for 20 days to measure biochemical and transcript changes. The antioxidant activities of the cultivars were quantified by using four different methods, i.e., 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The damage to pigments, phenolic, osmolytes, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation was also evaluated. Results revealed that the cultivars "Elit and Hazar" had higher H2O2, maximum damage to pigments, and least accumulation of phenolics and osmolytes under both stress conditions. The cultivar "Şampiyon" performance was better under salt stress but exhibited a poor antioxidant defensive mechanism under drought stress conditions. The remaining cultivars suggested a resilient nature with a higher accumulation of osmolytes, antioxidants and phenolics. The change in transcript levels further strengthened the response of resilient cultivars; for instance, they showed higher transcript levels of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate oxidase and transcription factors (WRKY70, NAC29). It helped alleviate the oxidative stress in tolerant cultivars and maintained the physio-biochemical functioning of the cultivars.. The results of the current study will fill the gap of missing literature in onion at biochemical and molecular levels. Additionally, resilient cultivars can effectively cope with abiotic stresses to ensure future food security.

NANO FERTILIZERS WITH ALGAE EXTRACT AS BIOSTIMULANT AFFECTING GROWTH, BULB YIELD, AND QUALITY OF ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.)

Biostimulants (nano fertilizers, algal extract) are synthetic or natural compounds for application to seeds, plants, and soil to increase crops, particularly onion yields. These substances cause changes in vital structural processes to influence plant growth through improved tolerance to abiotic stresses and enhance seed and grain yield and quality. The presented study aims to determine if biostimulants beneficially increase onions’ vegetative growth, harvest, and quality of onions (Allium cepa L.). A randomized complete block design with three replications helped compare various rates of Nano NPK fertilization (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 g/L Nano NPK + 0.5 g/L algae extract, 1.0 g/L mineral NPK + 0.5 g/L algae extract, 1.0 g/L mineral NPK, 1.0 g/L Nano NPK, and 0.5 g/L algae extract) with the control treatment (spraying distilled water only). The results showed as the Nano NPK + 0.5 g/L algae extract levels decreased, all studied parameters gradually declined. Foliar application of Nano NPK 1.0 g/L combined with 0.5 g/L algae recorded the highest significant effects, followed by 1.0 g/L mineral NPK + 0.5 g/L algae and 0.8 g/L Nano NPK + 0.5 g/L algae compared with the control. The highest values of bulb diameter (10.1 cm/plant), plant height (108.7 cm/plant), plant fresh weight (254.7 g/plant), and fresh yield (25.67 t/ha) emerged with foliar application of Nano NPK 1.0 g/L combined with 0.5 g/L algae, and the lowest values, obtained from the control treatment, were 4.2 cm/plant, 62.3 cm/plant, 100.23 g/plant, and 10.09 t/ha, respectively. The results suggested that using the algae extract combined with nano fertilizer treatment as a biostimulant will maximize onion growth parameters, yield production, and nutrient contents

Combined Soil Microorganism Amendments and Foliar Micronutrient Nanofertilization Increased the Production of Allium cepa L. through Aquaporin Gene Regulation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in aquaporin expression on the growth of onion (Allium cepa L.) plants when subjected to dual applications of microorganism-based soil amendments and foliar nanoencapsulated mineral nutrients. Multiple physiological parameters related to water, gas exchange, and nutrient content in leaf, root, and bulb tissues were determined. Additionally, the gene expression of aquaporins, specifically PIP1, PIP2 (aquaporin subfamily plasma membrane intrinsic protein), and TIP2 (aquaporin subfamily tonoplast intrinsic protein), was analyzed. The findings revealed that the foliar application of nutrients in a nanoencapsulated form significantly enhanced nutrient penetration, mobilization, and overall plant growth to a greater extent than free-form fertilizers. Amendments with microorganisms alone did not promote growth but influenced the production of secondary metabolites in the bulbs. The combination of microorganisms and nanoencapsulated mineral nutrients demonstrated synergistic effects, increasing dry matter, mineral content, and aquaporin gene expression. This suggests that aquaporins play a pivotal role in the transport of nutrients from leaves to storage organs, resulting in the overexpression of PIP2 aquaporins in bulbs, improved water uptake, and enhanced cell growth. Therefore, the combined treatment with microorganisms and nanoencapsulated mineral nutrients may be an optimal approach for enhancing onion productivity by regulating aquaporins under field conditions.

Water management and irrigation for bulb onion (Allium cepa L.) growth and development in the Papua New Guinea Highlands

Water is crucial for nutrient intake, transportation, temperature regulation, and photosynthesis in bulb onion (Allium cepa L.) growth and development. Water scarcity, caused by climate variability and particularly during prolonged dry periods, has proved to be an obstacle to cultivating bulb onions in the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Highlands. Farmers have a limited grasp of the interdependence of soil, water, and plants. They have traditionally depended on precipitation, and water from streams and rivers, to irrigate their bulb onion crops. The main method for providing irrigation support is manual irrigation, with agricultural organisations assisting with basic irrigation technologies. Despite farmers and organisations efforts to improve irrigation practices, the prolonged dry season still raises labour demands for bulb onion farms. Farmers’ lack of knowledge about irrigation technology and soil water conservation contributes to this issue. Moreover, the lack of irrigation suppliers worsens the issue of limited soil water in onion farms. This paper gives an overview of onion production in PNG, focusing on irrigation practices and constraints in the Highlands region. It aims to stress irrigation’s importance in crop growth and explore PNG’s irrigation methods and soil moisture conservation practices. There is a need for a sustainable irrigation and soil water conservation system that is easy to use and incorporates crop water requirements. This system is vital for watering onions and conserving soil moisture, promoting their growth and yield. In this context, the use of mulch and irrigation systems can preserve and enhance soil moisture during prolonged dry phases.

Mineral fertilizers for onions: a review

For the production of onions, first of all, the proper organization of its nutrition is necessary. Both its productivity and product quality depend on this. First of all, onion nutrition requires mineral fertilizers containing macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The quality of onions, their physiology and productivity depend on the application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, the need for which and the efficiency of use by plants vary depending on climatic factors, irrigation systems, varietal differences, soil and production conditions of cultivation in growing areas. This review examines in detail the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as the main components of mineral nutrition, on the growth, physiology and yield of onion. The review includes various databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, RSCI, etc., online sources (Research Gate, Springer Nature Open Access, Wiley Online Library, etc.) are used.

Effect of Phosphorus Fertigation on Concentration of Soil Available Phosphate and Growth of Green Onions (Allium fistulosum L.) in Open Field

Effect of Phosphorus Fertigation on Concentration of Soil Available Phosphate and Growth of Green Onions (Allium fistulosum L.) in Open Field

Performance Evaluation Of Drip Irrigation System Under Onion Crop In Semi-Arid Region Of Eastern Rwanda

Efficient irrigation systems are needed not only to reduce environmental hazard but also to promote sustainable utilization of water resources. Drip irrigation is common irrigation systems that can save water and increase crop production by transferring small amounts of water frequently to the periphery of the roots of plants. So far, to establish a better irrigation system, it is necessary to improve onion growth, and yield. The present study was carried out to evaluate drip irrigation in 8 hectares for growing different crop particular onion vegetable at The Fresh Gate East Africa farm located in Rwamagana district, of Eastern province of Rwanda. A research study was conducted from January to May, 2020. The meteorological data were collected and analysed. Soil physical properties like soil texture, bulk density and infiltration rate were determined. The observations on water application through drippers and performance indicators were assessed. The results revealed that the rainfall in the study area is not sufficient in all decades of the months taken for crop period so irrigation is inevitable. The soil of the area is sandy loam and suitable for crop production. The performance indicators like Distribution efficiency (Ed), application efficiency (Ea), field emission uniformity (EUf), Absolute emission uniformity (EUa) and design emission uniformity (EUd) with the corresponding values of 91.66, 88.23%, 91.20%, 89.25% and 78.60% respectively were fitting in the standards of good to excellent performance. The value of coefficient of variance (Cv) with 0.085 falls in the category of marginal While statistical uniformity coefficient (SUC) with 91.5% presents good to perfect drip system. We conclude that drip irrigation has increased more 100% of onion production with the harvest of 12 Tons/Ha at FGEA Farm. It is therefore recommended that drip system is highly efficient irrigation system for Rwandan conditions and can easily be promoted through farmer’s sensitization and government support.

Improving onion productivity and producer income through nitrogen management

Intensifying nitrogen (N) management can improve yield and bulb quality in onions. A field experiment was conducted to determine the optimum N rate and application frequency for high onion productivity. Treatments comprised levels of nitrogen (N): 50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 kg ha-1, and nitrogen application frequency: all at once, twice, three times, or four times. The N rate and application frequency affected growth performance, bulb characters, yield, and bulb quality of onions. The supplement of 150 kg ha-1 N at three times the application frequencies generated the highest marketable yield (46.5 t ha-1) with the highest net benefit (626317 ETB ha-1). Application of 150 kg ha-1 of inorganic nitrogen with three times the application frequency improves the marketable yield of onions with the highest and most acceptable net benefit. The intensive and economical use of inorganic nitrogen and its frequency of application increased the growth and economic yield of onions in field conditions.

Growth and Quality Profiency of Onion (Allium cepa L.) by Application of Biofertilizer, GA3 and Humic Acid

During the Rabi season in 2022-2023, a comprehensive trial was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya. Employing a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD), the research assessed twelve different interventions, consisting of biofertilizers, GA3, humic acid and a reference group. Notably, the combined application of Azotobacter, Azospirillum, GA3 and humic acid (T10) showcased substantial improvements in several growth parameters. These encompassed plant height (62.23 cm), number of leaves (10.18), length of leaves (54.08 cm), leaf area (624.65 cm²), leaf area index (4.16) and leaf diameter (8.14 mm). Additionally, this treatment recorded the highest Total Soluble Solids (TSS) at 12.37 °Brix. Moreover, the inclusion of sulphur and humic acid significantly affected the pyruvic acid content, with T10 recorded the highest pyruvate values (5.28 µmol/g). Conversely, the reference group (T12) only recorded slight improvements, emphasizing the noteworthy impact of the interventions on both the growth and qualitative characteristics of the onions.

Coping with Water Stress: Ameliorative Effects of Combined Treatments of Salicylic Acid and Glycine Betaine on the Biometric Traits and Water-Use Efficiency of Onion (Allium cepa) Cultivated under Deficit Drip Irrigation.

Freshwater scarcity is a major global challenge threatening food security. Agriculture requires huge quantities of water to feed the ever-increasing human population. Sustainable irrigation techniques such as deficit drip irrigation (DDI) are warranted to increase efficiency and maximize yield. However, DDI has been reported to cause water stress in plants. The study aimed to investigate the influence of the exogenous application of salicylic acid alone (SA) or in combination with glycine betaine (GB) on the growth, yield quality, and water-use efficiency of onions under different DDI treatments (100%, 70%, and 40% field capacity (FC)). Spray treatments (sub-treatments) were as follows: T1: (distilled water), T2: (1.09 mM SA), T3: (1.09 mM SA + 25 mM GB), T4: (1.09 mM SA + 50 mM GB), and T5: (1.09 mM SA + 100 mM GB). Our results indicated that T2 slightly ameliorated the effects of water stress by improved plant heights, leaf number, pseudostem diameter, bulb quality, and nutrient content of onion bulbs, especially under the 70% FC treatment. However, T3 recorded the poorest results on leaf number, pseudostem diameter, and bulb quality under the 70% and 40% FC treatments. Generally, our results indicated that onions could tolerate moderate water stress (70% FC) without severely affecting the growth and yield of onion. In conditions where freshwater is a limiting factor, a DDI treatment of 40% FC is recommended.