Indian Onion Research Articles

Enhancing Indian onion (Allium Cepa L. var. aggregatum) extraction by microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) method: Parametric study and optimization using FCCD design

The aim of this study is to extract essential oil from Indian onion bulbs (Allium Cepa L. var. aggregatum) using the microwave hydrodiffusion-gravity (MHG) method. The operating parameters considered include drying pre-treatment, material size (1-3 cm), microwave power (300-600 W), and extraction time (15-75 min). Optimal extraction conditions were identified through a two-stage process: initially screening data using a full factorial design, followed by process optimization using a face-centred central composite design (FCCD). The oil yield increased with extraction time up to a certain point, after which it plateaued, indicating no further yield improvements. The size of the material had an impact on how well microwave energy transferred; smaller particles provided larger surface areas, which improved extraction efficiency. Furthermore, the reduction in moisture content due to drying directly affected essential oil production, leading to higher yields. Sudden temperature increases could negatively impact oil quality, making temperature control during extraction critical. The microwave power level also played a significant role in the extraction process. The highest oil yield, 2.78%, was obtained with an extraction time of 75 min, a microwave power of 600 W, and a material size of 1 cm. Additionally, the extracted onion oil contained cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl), and Z-citral.

Dehydration of Onion Slices for Food Processing Application Using Internet of Things-Based Smart Solar Drying System

Abstract Indian onion producers experience significant economic losses as a result of the unpredictable fluctuations in onion prices during the harvesting and postharvest stages. To address these difficulties and increase farmers' earnings, the transformation of onions into value-added goods such as onion paste, onion powder, onion sauce, and onion oil has emerged as a possible option. The objective of this project is to create a smart solar drying system based on Internet of Things (IoT) technique specifically designed for the dehydration of recently harvested red onions. In April 2023, a series of five experimental tests were carried out, examining the effects of different onion slice thicknesses ranging from 2 mm to 4 mm, with intervals of 0.5 mm. Each trial consisted of running the dryer for a duration of 9 h, specifically from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., throughout the daylight hours for three consecutive days. The experiment involved evaluating different drying characteristics, such as moisture content on dry and wet bases, shrinkage ratio, and thermal efficiency. The drying time required to achieve a 10% moisture level (w.b.) was reduced by 30.19%, 16.98%, 11.32%, and 3.77% when comparing a 4-mm slice thickness to thinner alternatives of 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, and 3.5 mm, respectively. The dryer had a superior thermal efficiency of 27.89% when the thickness was 2 mm, in contrast to 19.50% when the thickness was 4 mm. Significantly, onions that were dehydrated from slices measuring 2 mm and 2.5 mm in thickness showed exceptional suitability for the production of powdered onion.

Marker assisted selection of male sterile (CMS-S) lines among short day Indian onion genotypes

Marker assisted selection of male sterile (CMS-S) lines among short day Indian onion genotypes

Distribution pattern of cytoplasm and restoration of male fertility (Ms) locus in short-day tropical Indian onion populations

Distribution pattern of cytoplasm and restoration of male fertility (Ms) locus in short-day tropical Indian onion populations

Effect of genotype, media and stress treatments on gynogenesis efficiency in short-day tropical Indian onion (Allium cepa L.)

Effect of genotype, media and stress treatments on gynogenesis efficiency in short-day tropical Indian onion (Allium cepa L.)

Price volatility spillover of Indian onion markets: A comparative study

To investigate the interdependence between Indian onion markets in terms of price volatility, the present study was conducted in four different vital onion markets in India, viz. Mumbai, Nashik, Delhi and Bengaluru. The long term monthly data, from March, 2003 to September, 2015 was collected from the website of agmarknet.nic.in. We have employed the VEC-MGARCH model to estimate mean and volatility spillover simultaneously among the different markets and also examined the nature of dynamic correlation using the DCC model. The presence of mean and volatility spillover was found between the markets. This type of significant interaction between the volatility of different markets is highly useful for cross market hedging and for sharing of common information by market participants. The empirical results also suggest for a very close observation on different market behavioral pattern since, “news” in one market may impact other market through the number of interdependencies. Key words: Dynamic conditional correlations, Market behavior, Price volatility spillover

Genotypic variation in Na, K and their ratio in 45 commercial cultivars of Indian tropical onion: A pressing need to reduce hypertension among the population.

The intake of diets with higher sodium (Na) and lower potassium (K) has been considered a leading factor for the development of hypertension (HTN). Majority of junk, processed and packaged food have higher Na contents. To counter the effects of diet on HTN, the identification of high K/Na ratio plant-based food is needed. Among fruits and vegetables, onion could be the ideal option since it contains high K content. Keeping this in mind, 45 commercially well adapted short day Indian onion cultivars were evaluated for K and Na content and their ratio to isolate suitable cultivars to prevent HTN in the Indian population. The data suggested wide variation among the genotypes for K, Na, and K/Na ratio ranging from 490.2 ± 17.0 to 9160.0 ± 96.7 mg/kg on dry matter basis, 52.7 ± 3.0 to 458.2 ± 61.7 mg/kg on dry matter basis and 3.1 ± 0.7 to 109.5 ± 17.3, respectively. The K content was recorded as significantly highest in the yellow-coloured bulb variety "Arka Pitamber" (9160.1 ± 96.7) followed by Pusa Sona (7933.2 ± 292.8). On the other hand, minimal K was assessed in the white-coloured bulb variety "Agrifound White" (490.3 ± 17.0) followed by Udaipur Local (732.9 ± 93.4). Twelve cultivars exhibited > 7000 mg K content, while nine cultivars recorded < 1500 mg. On the contrary, Na was recorded as significantly highest in the dark-red-coloured bulbs and the lowest in white bulbs. Furthermore, it was determined that there was a more than 35-fold difference observed between the highest (109.5) and lowest (3.1) K/Na ratio in the bulbs of tested cultivars. Cluster analysis revealed three major groups comprising of 23, 13 and 9 genotypes. This information could form the base for public health, food and onion researchers to design suitable cultivars to prevent HTN as a population-wide approach. The next century is going to be food-based for the amelioration of human diseases in a sustainable way without any after-effects on the human body.

Market Integration and Price Transmission Analysis of Onion in Wholesale Markets of India

The present study was done in seven major onion wholesale markets in India, namely Pimpalgaon, Lasalgaon, Solapur, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Indore to explore the interdependence of wholesale prices amongst Indian onion markets. The study was conducted in all India perspective and the study period involves the seventeen years data of onion wholesale prices (January 2004 to December 2020). The study was majorly based on the prices of onion obtained through secondary source. These data were collected from various portals such as FAO, NHRDF, Agmarknet and NHB. The current study employs co-integration analysis of wholesale monthly onion prices in selected marketplaces to determine the degree of market integration. The Trace and Maximum Eigen-value tests results showed that the onion prices in India moves together in the long run equilibrium. As a result, it may be stated that India's onion markets are well-functioning. The direction of information flow was determined by using Granger Causality test. It was found that in few markets pairs, price transmissions were bi-directional whereas between Bangalore and Pune market, no transmission was found. The study reveals that Lasalgaon market is dominating in terms of price determination. The empirical study also recommends keeping a careful eye on diverse market behavioural patterns, since "news" in one market might have an influence on other markets due to the numerous interdependencies.

Molecular marker-based characterization of cytoplasm and restorer of male sterility (Ms) locus in commercially grown onions in India.

The cytoplasmic-genic male-sterility system has been extensively employed for the production of onion hybrids. Molecular marker-assisted characterization of the cytotypes and genotyping at the restorer-of male-fertility (Ms) locus is important for the accelerated breeding of onion hybrids. Indian onion breeding has focussed more on open-pollinated varieties than hybrids. To accelerate the breeding efforts, marker-assisted selection (MAS) plays a pivotal role. This study aimed to characterize the Indian breeding lines, varieties, hybrids, and exotic accessions for cytotype and Ms locus. For cytoplasm, cytotype markers, accD, and MKFR and for Ms locus identification, PCR markers AcPMS1 and AcSKP1 were employed. Bulk strategy to identify cytoplasm and Ms locus was tested. Sequencing of PCR products amplified by accD was also tried. Both the accD and MKFR were synonymous in cytoplasm identification except in T821 where T cytoplasm was identified. AcPMS1 was more reliable than AcSKP1 for Ms locus identification. Sequencing proved that N and T cytoplasm are identical. Bulking strategy can be used for cytotype identification but not for Ms locus. Indian onions have a predominance of normal (N) cytoplasm and homozygous recessive (msms) locus. This might be beneficial for hybrid development. S cytoplasm was identified in exotic varieties. For the first time, T cytoplasm has been reported from India. These findings will assist Indian onion breeders to develop MAS strategies for accelerating hybrid development programs. And for the release of onion hybrids with high productivity and uniformity.

Export Competitiveness of Dry Onion with Reference to India

"The purpose of the study is to examine the export competitiveness of onion with reference to India. In India, exports are allowed only after domestic requirements are met, due to which there arise year-to-year export fluctuations. Revealed Comparative Advantage Index (RCA) and Comparative Export Performance Index (CEP) are used to examine export competitiveness. The study reveals that India has comparative advantage in export of onion as compared to other major exporting nations followed by The Netherlands and Egypt. The performance index of India shows rise of Indian onion in world market, as the value of CEP index is decreasing for other exporting nations."

Perspectives of onion hybrid breeding in India: An overview

Onion (Allium cepa L.), a major member of monocot family Amaryllidaceae, is an important bulbous vegetable cropused in almost every Indian kitchen. Being cultivated since antiquity, farmers rely on growing open pollinated varietiessince hybrid development in this crop has not gained pace. Among important vegetables, F1 hybrid developmentremains underutilized in onion especially in India and other developing countries as compared to other onion growingcountries. Development of commercial hybrids in onion principally depends on the availability of suitable inbredlines against the backdrop of stable male sterile system. The future scope of commercial onion hybrids needs to befocused comprehensively for the identification of male sterile lines from Indian onion population by utilizing modernbiotechnological tools. Molecular markers distinguishing cytoplasm and linked to restorer of male sterility, Ms locus,are important. Release of commercial hybrids from public sector would play a great role for breaking yield barriers andsignificant enhancement of productivity of onion under changing climate scenario and increasing domestic demand.

Optimization of EMS mutagen dose for short day onion

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of chemical mutagen on biological parameters such as seed germination, shoot and root length and to fix the lethal dose (LD50) of EMS in short day Indian onion cultivar Bhima Dark Red. Presoaked seeds of onion were treated with different doses (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 % v/v) of Ethyl Methane Sulfonate. The optimal mutagenic doses were calculated using Probit Analysis based on germination percentage which were considered useful in developing onion mutagenized population to create genetic variability for various qualitative and quantitative traits. Seed germination was recorded after 7 and 12 days of sowing, while seedling parameters such as seedling height, dry and fresh weight of seedlings were taken after 12 days. Data revealed that the mutagenic agent significantly reduced seed germination and seedling growth parameters in terms of shoot and root length as compared to control. Significant reduction in the seed germination percent with the enhancement of concentration of EMS dose was exhibited.

The Indian Onion Crisis: Agricultural Pricing Policy and State Legitimacy

This paper explores the relationship between agricultural pricing policy and state legitimacy in India through a case study of the onion crisis that began in 2010. It places the government’s responsive pricing policy to the onion crisis within the historical context of how agriculture and food policy were used by colonial and post-colonial governments to create state legitimacy. The paper argues for the centrality of agricultural pricing policy to understanding state legitimacy.

Biological traits and susceptibility of Delia antiqua (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in onion

The pre-oviposition period of mated and unmated female reared on Bangladeshi and Indian onion was 4.5 ± 0.5, 4.37 ± 0.6 days and 4.11 ± 0.09, 4.45 ± 0.32 days, respectively. The oviposition period of mated and unmated female was 5.6 ± 0.6, 6.03 ± 0.6 days and 6.48 ± 0.39, 6.5 ± 0.34 days reared on Bangladeshi and Indian onion, respectively. The life cycle of Delia antiqua consisted of four definite stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The incubation period was1.38 ± 0.11 and 1.25 ± 0.05 days; larval period was 5.7 ± 0.7 and 5.4 ± 0.05 days; pupal period was 6.8 ± 0.2 and 6.08 ± 0.2 days, respectively. There were three larval instars in D. antiqua. To complete the total life cycle it required shorter period in Indian than in Bangladeshi onion. The total life cycle of female was 16.73 ± 0.89 and 15.29 ± 0.45 days, respectively on Bangladeshi and Indian onion. The difference between the life cycle of female was significant (p &lt; 0.05) in Bangladeshi and Indian onion. Fecundity was higher in Indian than in Bangladeshi onion. The fecundity of female D. antiqua reared in Bangladeshi and Indian onion was 75.2 ± 4.09 and 89.2 ± 2.39, respectively and it was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) varied. Female lived longer than male D. antiqua. It was more susceptible in Indian than Bangladeshi onion irrespective of the duration of life cycle and fecundity.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Zool. 47(2): 325-332, 2019

Variability, heritability and trait association studies for bulb and antioxidant traits in onion (Allium cepa) varieties

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important vegetable having year round demand and consumed fresh, cooked or processed. It occupies maximum area under vegetables in India. The consumption of onion has been associated with many health benefits. The genetic improvement work mainly focused on improving yield and there has been little effort on improving quality traits. Therefore, information on variability, heritability and trait association of phytochemicals content, antioxidant activity and bulb traits are lacking. The present study was conducted to bridge the gap and generate information on these aspects. A total of eight quality traits and four bulb traits were analyzed in 22 onion genotypes of five different skin colour. The genotypes were procured from diverse geographic region. The total soluble solids content (TSS), pungency, total phenol, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activities as estimated through CUPRAC and FRAP in the onion varieties varied from 10.13-16.65 °Brix, 4.67-12.28 μmol Pyruvic acid/g FW, 740.67-1145.33 μg Gallic acid equivalent/ml, 31.67 - 465.0 μg Quercetin equivalent/ml, 2.23 - 5.14 μmol Trolox/g and 1.60-4.63 μmole Trolox/g, respectively. There was less difference between phenotypic and genotypic components of variance for pungency, total phenols, antioxidant activity and juice recovery, suggesting greater role of genotype in the expression of quality traits and better scope of improvement for these traits. The high heritability estimates (&gt;75%) for bulb diameter, total phenols, flavonoids, pungency and antioxidant activity, and higher value of genotypic correlation co-efficient over phenotypic co-efficient supports greater role of genotype in the expression of quality traits. The high estimate of heritability and comparatively, low estimate of genetic advance and genetic gain suggest the role of both additive and non-additive gene action. Thus hybridization and selection would be the best strategy to improve quality traits in Indian onion genotypes. Future breeding attempt to develop onion varieties with higher health benefits should focus on medium sized varieties without compromising on yield.

Genotypic response towards haploid induction in short day tropical Indian onion (Allium cepa)

Doubled haploid technology is advantageous for a cross pollinated crop with high inbreeding depression like onion that takes 12 years to develop inbreds through conventional breeding. Inbred development through haploid technology takes only 1 to 2 years and will be a boon for heterosis breeding programme. Two media (HAP02, HAP04) and seven genotypes were assessed for their response towards haploid induction. HAP04 was significantlysuperior to HAP02 for embryo induction. Significant differences in media towards callus formation and significant differences in media and genotypes towards embryo induction were observed. Open pollinated varieties and hybrids were more responsive towards embryo induction followed by exotic and landrace, whereas callus induction was more in landrace. Days for embryo induction were lower in PWF (65-83), whereas RCL was the best respondinggenotype (2.22 shoots/plant) for multiple shoot induction. About 33% plants survived and haploids, spontaneous diploids and tetraploids were obtained. Gamborg's B5 medium supplemented with 2,4-D and BA @ 2 mg/l each was the best media. This study will form a basis for inbred development to accelerate hybrid breeding programme in short day tropical Indian onion.

Rheological, thermal, micro structural and functional properties of freeze dried onion powders as affected by sprouting

Abstract The effect of sprouting on rheological, functional, thermal and micro structural properties of freeze dried onion powders obtained from four Indian onion cultivars (Punjab White, Punjab Naroya, PRO-6 and Commercial) were studied to assess the feasibility of using sprouting as a tool to imparting desirable thermal, functional and rheological properties in various food products. Sprouting showed an increase in protein, ash and fibre content with decrease in fat and carbohydrate content of onion powders. Functional properties (water solubility index, hygoscopicity, dispersibility and wettability) improved in sprouted powders as compared to the unsprouted powders. Sprouted onion powders showed lower elastic modulus (G′) and viscous modulus (G) in the linear viscoelastic region as compared to unsprouted powders. Sprouted powders recorded significantly (P

Total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and anthocyanin profile of sprouted onion powder

The effect of sprouting of onions on total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and anthocyanin profile of freeze dried powders produced from Indian onion cultivars was examined. Sprouting was carried out at an average light intensity of 64 Lumen, average relative humidity of 80.2%, and average temperature of 15.22 °C for three weeks. Two way analyses of data revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) effect of sprouting and cultivar on functional composition of freeze dried powders. In all sprouted powder samples, there were significant (P&lt;0.05) enhancements in total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, vitamin C content, antioxidant activity, and colour due to increase in anthocyanin contents. The anthocyanin profile depicted an increase in total anthocyanin concentration in powders developed from all four cultivars with the highest increase in powder from PRO-6 (23.87–27.15 mg kg−1), followed by Punjab Naroya (9.97–12.92 mg kg−1), commercial (7.15–8.43 mg kg−1), and Punjab White cultivar (3.45–4.09 mg kg−1).

Effect of sprouting on the physical properties, morphology and flowability of onion powder

Onion (Allium cepa L.) important as spice and vegetable in daily Indian cuisine undergoes a natural biological process of sprouting. This is the first study to examine the effect of sprouting on the physical properties, flowability, particle size and microstructure of freeze dried onion powder from four Indian onion varieties (Punjab White, Punjab Naroya, PRO-6 and Commercial). Two-way analyses of data revealed significant (p < 0.05) effect of sprouting as well as variety on flowability and other physical parameters of freeze dried onion powders. The effect of sprouting on the flowability of freeze dried onion powders was evaluated using flow indicators viz., bulk density, true density, angle of repose, frictional coefficient, Carr’s index, and Hausner’s ratio and instrumentally by powder flow analyser viz., cohesive index, caking strength, mean cake strength and powder flow stability. Both, flow indicators and powder flow analysis showed that the powders from raw onion varieties were more cohesive while the free flowing nature was found in powders from sprouted onion varieties. Moreover, the particle size distribution and microstructural analysis also revealed a significant effect of sprouting on onion powders. In all the powder samples, the significant (p < 0.05) increase in mean particle diameter and a decrease in powder flow parameters (cake strength, cohesion index) resulted in improved powder flowability with sprouting. The results implied the beneficial effect of sprouting on physical properties, particle size, microstructure and powder flowability that will be useful in the analysis and design of handling systems for powders developed from sprouted onions. The present study suggests the potential application of the process of sprouting as a tool to improve properties of the products developed from onions.

Performance of production and trade of onion in India

Onion is an important vegetable crop grown and consumed widely across the world. India is the second largest producer of onion, in the world next only to China but the productivity of onion in India is very lowi.e. 14.21 tons/ ha. Keeping this in view the present study is undertaken to analyze growth in area and production, seasonal indices of arrivals and prices, trend in export of major onion growing counties and trade direction of Indian onion. The study was based on secondary data collected from various sources such as APEDA, Directorate of Economics and Statistics. Compound growth rate and Markov chain analysis were carried out. Results of the study revealed that, in India among the states Bihar is having highest significant growth rate in area under cultivation of onion followed by Gujarat (12.75%). Among the major onion exporting counties China is showing the highest growth rate (19.37%) in export over last 21 years followed by India (9.68%). China showing highest export growth rate it may become competitive exporter in the international market. Trade direction analysis revealed that Malaysia was one of the most stable markets among the major importers of onion from India as reflected by high probability of retention of 0.5141, followed by UAE (39.67%), Hence, India may have to maintain a good trade relation with these countries.