Marketable Bulb Yield Research Articles

Participatory evaluation and demonstration of furrow irrigation systems with full irrigation application on Onion (Allium cepa L.) yield, yield component and water use efficiency at Docha Dembela in Demba Gofa woreda, South Ethiopia

Poor irrigation water management is one of the major factors limiting crop production in Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted at farmers filed at Docha Dambal kebele in Demba Gofa woreda, Gofa zone, South Ethiopia for two consecutive years (2019 & 2020) to evaluate and demonstrate the effect of furrow irrigation systems on onion yield and water use efficiency. The treatments consisted of three furrow irrigation systems (conventional, alternative and fixed). The irrigation treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design with six replications and participant farmers were used as a replication. Results indicated that highest mean value of marketable bulb yield (27758.2 kg ha-1) was brought under Conventional furrow system. However the lowest mean value of marketable bulb yield was recorded from the fixed furrow system (20482.5). However, Superior water use efficiency of 13.33kg/m3 was recorded from alternative furrow irrigation system. The lowest water use efficiency (7.78 kg/m3) was recorded from the Conventional furrow system. Therefore, It could be concluded that alternate furrow irrigation system maximized water use efficiency of onion with tolerable yield penalty at the study area. This result is important for farmers to irrigate supplemental lands with water saved, thus achieving a more efficient and rational use of land and water resources in the water limited area. If areas with no water scarcity, conventional furrow system could be a potential approach for promoting onion bulb yield under field conditions.

Pre - Extension Demonstration of Alternate Furrow Irrigation for Better Water Management Technologies at Dugda District

The agricultural sector is the main consumer of fresh irrigation water so any effort to improve WUE in this sector gets a lot of attention so, raising WUE through improved of modern irrigation techniques and increasing the capacity of soil output complementary to make better employ of irrigation water and saving water for other uses. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the most effective water-saving techniques and improve the water use efficiency of irrigated onions under limited agricultural water availability for better water management technologies. The treatment consists of conventional furrow irrigation and alternate furrow irrigation method with full crop water requirement in three replications on two farmers. Crop water requirement was estimated using actual daily climatic data. The result showed that conventional furrow irrigation method was the highest bulb yield and yield components when compared to alternate furrow irrigation method. Alternate furrow irrigation method produced total yield of 18.73 t/ha which was not significantly different with that obtained under every furrow irrigation (220.6 Qt/ha). It was also found that yield reduction may be low compared to the benefits gained by diverting the saved water to irrigate extra cultivated land. The result showed that decreasing WP with increased irrigation water from 50% crop water requirement (ETc) from alternate furrow irrigation (5.68 kg m-3) to conventional furrow irrigation 100% Etc (3.6 kg m-3). Increasing water deficit from 100 to 50% ETc led to an increase of onion WP up to 75%. For increasing marketable bulb yield of onion under no water stress scenario, irrigation of onion with conventional furrow irrigation methods could be used. However, under limiting irrigation water resource condition, irrigation of onion could be done with alternate furrow irrigation method to maximize water use efficiency of onion for similar agro-ecology and soil type.

Comparative efficacy of five insecticides against key insect pests of dry-season onion (Allium cepa L.) in Meskine, Far North Cameroon

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of five insecticides for controlling the primary insect pests of dry-season onions in Meskine, Far North of Cameroon. The goal was to identify the insecticide that ensures a better yield for late-transplanted dry-season onion crops. To achieve this objective, a trial was conducted using a completely randomized experimental block design, with six treatments replicated three times. The treatments consisted of Cypercal (Cypermethrin 120 g/L, Profenofos 600 g/L), Neem oil solution + Neem cake (Azadirachtin), Optimal (Acetamiprid 200 g/Kg), Pacha (Lambda-cyhalothrin 15 g/L, Acetamiprid 10 g/L), Rapax (Bacillus thuringiensis), and a control. Applications of the treatments were carried out using an ULVA sprayer on the leaves between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Observations focused on growth and yield parameters, which were evaluated based on the various treatments applied. Data collected were analyzed using STATGRAPHIC Centurion XVI.I software at a 5% significance rate. Results showed that among the four insect species recorded on the leaves, thrips were the most prevalent, constituting 33.37% of the total population, followed by caterpillars (23.82%), aphids (22.32%), and locusts (20.48%). The analysis of variance revealed that among the growth parameters, only plant height was significantly affected by the application of the different insecticides. The highest marketable bulb yield was achieved with Cypercal, yielding 13.53 tons per hectare, compared to the control’s 6 tons per hectare. Consequently, Cypercal has been identified as an effective alternative to Optimal, which is commonly used by growers to enhance yields of this dry-season crop.

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

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

Optimum intra-row spacing and clove size for the economical production of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract Garlic is one of the most important cash crops cultivated by smallholder farmers throughout Ethiopia. However, due to inappropriate agronomic practices including clove size and intra-row spacing, the productivity of the crop is low in the country. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the 2019 main cropping season under rain feed conditions to identify the optimum clove size and intra-row spacing for the economical production of garlic in Lay Gayint district, Northwestern Ethiopia. Local garlic cultivar obtained from farmers was used as a test crop. A factorial combination of three clove sizes and four intra-row spacings was used in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that the main as well as the interaction effects of clove size and intra-row spacing influenced most of the tested growth and yield parameters of garlic. The longest plant height (73.77 cm) was recorded from garlic plants grown at 5 cm intra-row spacing, while the shortest plant height (66.98 cm) was from plants grown at 12.5 cm. The treatment combination of large-sized clove and 12.5 cm intra-row spacing recorded the longest leaf length (61.07 cm), the highest leaf number (7.79), bulb diameter (4.98 cm), bulb weight (33.83 g), and clove weight (2.71 g) of garlic. However, the treatment combination of large-sized cloves and 7.5 cm intra-row spacing produced the highest marketable (13.44 t ha−1) bulb yield. Based on the partial budget analysis, however, medium-sized cloves (1.5–1.99 g) planted at 10 cm intra-row spacing recorded the highest net benefit (723,205 Eth-Birr ha−1) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (3277.3%). Therefore, growing garlic using medium-sized cloves (1.5–1.99 g) at 10 cm intra-row spacing is recommended for economical production of garlic by smallholder farmers in the study area and areas with similar agroecology.

Effect of NPS and Zinc Fertilizer Rates on Growth and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.) at Shewa Robit, North Shewa, Ethiopia

Onions, a crucial bulb crop cultivated globally, including in Ethiopia, face significant production challenges. These constraints encompass poor soil fertility, inappropriate fertilizer usage, limited availability of improved varieties, disease and insect pests, and the high costs associated with commercial fertilizers. Among these limitations, improper fertilizer application amounts and types play a pivotal role in restricting onion production. To address this, a field experiment was conducted during the 2020-2021 cropping season in the Shewa Robit district of the North Shewa zone. The study assessed the impact of NPS and Zn fertilizer rates on onion growth and yield. The treatments included four NPS fertilizer rates (0, 121, 242, and 363 kg/ha) and four levels of ZnSO4 (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75% w/v). The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement and replicated three times. The results demonstrated that the interaction effect of NPS and Zn fertilizers significantly influenced various onion parameters, including days to maturity, plant height, leaf length, marketable bulb yield, unmarketable bulb yield, and total bulb yield. The application of NPS at a rate of 242 kg/ha and 0.75% ZnSO4 led to the highest plant height (65.20 cm), leaf length (51.93 cm), marketable bulb yield (34.87 t/ha), and total bulb yield (35.04 t/ha). In addition, this treatment combination yielded the highest net benefit (908,628.89 ETB/ha) with an acceptable MRR (313.64%) compared to other treatments. Hence, it can be recommended for economical production of onion in the study area and areas with similar agroecologies.

Effect of Potassium Humate, Phosphorus and Copper on Onion Quantitative and Qualitative Yield

Previous research has been limited regarding the combined impacts of copper and potassium humate under various phosphorus fertilization levels on onion crops. So, a field trials were performed during two successive winter seasons of 2021 - 2022 and 2022 - 2023 aiming to evaluate three levels of calcium superphosphate (representing 100 %, 75 % and 50 % of the phosphorus recommended dose) as main plot treatments, along with three levels of potassium humate soil addition ( 0.0 %, 1.0 % and 2.0 % ) as sub-plot treatments. Additionally, foliar spraying of copper was carried out at three different rates (0.0 %, 0.1 % and 0.2 %) as sub-subplot treatments. These factors were examined individually or in combination to assess their impact on onion performance, quantitative yield, and qualitative attributes. Firstly, in terms of the individual effect of phosphorus recommended dose (PRD), the application of 100% of PRD demonstrated superior impacts on onion growth performance, quantitative and qualitative yield compared to 75% and 50% of PRD, respectively. Secondly, focusing on the individual effect of soil addition of potassium humate, all parameters related to growth performance, quantitative and qualitative yield, such as bulb weight and diameter, neck diameter, marketable bulb yield, total dissolved solids (TDS), total sugar (%), carbohydrates, and crude protein, exhibited an increase with higher rates of added potassium humate. Thirdly, the values of all parameters studied increased as the rate of copper application increased, indicating a positive correlation between copper application and onion crop performance. Lastly, the combined treatment of 100% of PRD with 2.0% potassium humate and 0.2% copper recorded the highest values across all measured parameters. Additionally, the combined treatment of 75% of PRD with potassium humate at rates of 1.0% or 2.0%, along with copper at rates of 0.1% and 0.2%, outperformed the individual application of 100% PRD in terms of the measured parameters. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combined addition of potassium humate (as soil addition) and Cu (as foliar application) has a vital role in improving the quantitative and qualitative yield of the as well as raising the efficiency of phosphate fertilizers.

Response of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Yield to Combined Biochar, Lime, and Inorganic-Fertilizer Rates in the Case of Gimbi District, Western Ethiopia

Soil degradation due to acidity is a serious problem in western Ethiopia, which would lower soil productivity and crop production. Implementing integrated soil fertility management is the most efficient approach for enhancing agronomic efficacy and boosting crop output while addressing the issue of soil acidity. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of combined coffee husk biochar (CHB), soil test-based value lime (STV), and inorganic-fertilizer (NPSB-fertilizer) rates on the optimum yield of garlic in Gimbi district, western Ethiopia. The field experiment was conducted during the 2022 cropping season on two sites. The experiment comprised 14 treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Application of integrated biochar, lime, and inorganic-fertilizer rates showed a highly significant impact (p <0.01) on the yield and yield components of garlic. The treatment unit with T11 ha−1 had the significantly highest total fresh biomass yield (TFBY) per plant for both Farm-1 (65.9 g) and Farm-2 (75.3 g). Bulb yield fresh weight per plant (BWp) was highest in treatments of T4 and T8 ha−1 in Farm-1 (27.7–28.1 g) and in treatments of T4 and T11 ha−1, in Farm-2 (31.4–31.6 g). Marketable bulb yield (MBY) was significantly highest in treatments; T4, T7, T8, and T11 ha−1 in Farm-1 (8.5–9.3 tons ha−1) and Farm-2 (10.1–10.5 tons ha−1). Therefore, by combining, the application of 10 tons of biochar (CHB) + 75% of lime (STV) + 75% of inorganic-fertilizer (NPSB-fertilizer) ha−1 in strongly acid soil, and 7.5 tons of CHB + 50% of STV + 50% of NPSB-fertilizer ha−1 rates in very strongly acid soil are recommended for garlic production in Gimbi district, western Ethiopia, and similar areas. In order to draw firm conclusions, future research on more sites is necessary because this study was logically limited to two sites.

Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Bulb Yield and Yield-Related Attributes of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Fogera Area, Northwest Ethiopia

Aim: Onion is one of the most important vegetable crops grown under irrigation in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. However, its productivity is affected by sub-optimal fertilization. The present research was conducted to investigate the response and economic returns of onion to N and P fertilizers application under irrigation.
 Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design in Factorial Arrangement with three replications.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in the Fogera area of Northwest Ethiopia.
 Methodology: Four levels of N (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha-1) and three levels of P (0, 46, and 92 kg P2O5 ha-1) were factorially combined and laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
 Results: The results showed that the yield and yield components of onion were significantly affected by the main effects of N. However, the main effects of P and its interaction with N did not significantly influence the growth and yield of onion. The highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, bulb girth and marketable bulb yield were recorded from the application of N138 statistically at par with N92. The maximum net economic return was obtained from the application of N138.
 Conclusion: Application of 138 kg N ha-1 was the economic optimum rate for maximum bulb yield of onion in the study area. Further investigation on the response of onion to P is recommended.

Evaluation of improved shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum) varieties for yield and yield related traits in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Shallot (Allium cepa var. ascalonicum Backer) is an important vegetable crop cultivated by small holder farmers for consumption in Gamo mid and high lands. However, its production and productivity is constrained by lack of improved shallot varieties in the study area. Field experiment was conducted in Gamo Zone during 2021 and 2022 cropping season. The objective of the experiment was to select well adaptive and high yielding shallot varieties for the study areas. Eight shallot varieties in two sets (bulb propagated sets and seed propagated sets) were evaluated in randomized complete block design with four replications by using double row spacing of 40cm x 20cm in Plot size of 2.4m x 2m. The combined analysis of the mean over years showed that there was a statistical significant mean difference (P<0.01) among the varieties for yield and some yield related traits. Among the bulb propagated varieties tested, the highest number of splits (13.75) per plant (bulb) was recorded by variety ‘’DZSHT-00/2” followed by “Minjar” (12.18). Similarly, “DZSHT-00/2” gave the highest bulb yield (21.22 t ha-1) followed by “Minjar” (19.27 t ha-1). On the other hand, the highest marketable bulb yield of 9.61 t ha-1 was recorded by variety “Tropics” followed by “DZSHT-157-21” (7.47 t ha-1). Hence, varieties “DZSHT-005/2” and “Tropics” are recommended for popularization and production due to their better yield and adaptability in the study area.

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.

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.

Effects of bended NPSB fertilizer rates and varieties on growth and yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Gummer district, Central Ethiopia

Garlic is grown by farmers using locally available low yielder traditional cultivars with little or no fertilizer input, which results in a low yield in the study area. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the responses of garlic varieties to different rates of NPSB. Garlic varieties (Kuriftu, HL (Holeta), Tseday, and ‘Tuma’) and four levels of NPSB fertilizer rates were arranged in 4X4 factorial and RCBD design was used in three replications. The interaction between fertilizer and variety had a significant effect on plant height, leaf number, and nearly all yield and yield-related parameters. The highest total bulb yield was obtained from variety Kuriftu (8.81 t ha ̄ ˡ) at the N: P2O5: S: B rate of 46.1:91.9:16.9:0.2kg ha ̄ ˡ. The maximum plant height (74.17cm) was recorded from variety HL at 46.1:91.9:16.9:0.2 kg/ha N: P2O5: S: B and the highest number of garlic leaves (10.33) was obtained from variety Kuriftu, which received the highest N: P2O5: S: B at rate of 65:129.7:23.9:0.3 kg/ha. The highest and statistically significant bulb weight was recorded equally from varieties Kuriftu, Tsedey, and HL (43.42g, 42.77g, and 41.92g, respectively). Statistically similar and highest marketable bulb yields (8.14 t ha ̄ ˡ and 7.36t/ha) and total bulb yields (8.81 t ha ̄ ˡ and 8 t ha ̄ ˡ) was recorded from variety Kuriftu interacted with 46.1:91.9:16.9:0.2 kg ha-1 and 65:129.7:23.9:0.3 kg/ha, respectively. Thus, the combined applications of 46.1:91.9:16.9:0.2 kg ha-1 NPSB and variety Kuriftu can be provisionally recommended for garlic producers in Gummer district.

Response to selection through introgression breeding in onion (Allium cepa L.)

Development of suitable varieties of onion with high yieldas well as good shelf life through crossing between longand short-day onion was carried out at the Research Farmof ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research,Rajgurunagar, Pune in collaboration with ICAR-CITH,Srinagar. A total of 135 crosses were made between available15 exotic onion varieties and 9 short day lines at ICARCITH,Srinagar. The crosses were evaluated in their F2generation and further selection were continued up to F5generation. The experiment was laid out in randomized blockdesign with three replications during rabi seasons toinvestigate the genetic variability and response to selectionamong all the crosses. Top seven progenies which wereselected on the basis of high yield in F2 generation whichwere also good performers in F3 generation with high yieldand other desirable traits. The selected crosses were foundfree from doubles and bolters in F3 generation. This indicatesthe selection done from F2 to F3 generation is effective fordouble and bolter bulbs which certainly helps to increasethe marketable bulb yield. High degree of variation wasobserved for all the traits studied and the difference betweenphenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was foundto be narrow for most of the traits. More than 30% marketableyield enhancement was observed in four progenies viz.,Couger × DOGR-595, Reforma × DOGR-595, Mercedes ×Bhima Super and Collina × DOGR-597 in comparison withbest check Bhima Shakti (41.17 t/ha) in F3 generationwhereas, more than 50 t/ha marketable yield was recorded infour progenies viz., Basic × RGO-53, Couger × DOGR-595,Mercedes × Bhima Super and Reforma × DOGR-595 in F3generation.

Genotypic difference of garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivars for growth, bulb yield and yield related attributes at Tigray Province, Northern Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted at Ofla district from June to October of 2017 and 2018 cropping season to select high yielding and adaptable garlic cultivar(s). Six garlic cultivars namely Chefe, Tsedey, Holeta local, Kuriftu and Bora-4 and one Ofla Local were evaluated. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized block design (RCBD) with three replications. Different growth, phenology, yield and yield related data were collected. Leaf length, leaf width, bulb diameter and length were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by garlic cultivars in both cropping seasons. Bulb weight and number of cloves per bulb were highly significantly (P<0.01) influenced by cultivars in both cropping seasons. Also, marketable yield, unmarketable yield and total yield ha-1 were highly significantly (P<0.01) influenced by cultivars in both seasons. During 2017 and 2018, the highest marketable bulb yield was observed from Ofla Local cultivar with an average value of (8.86 t/ha) and (9.06 t/ha) respectively. During the 2017 cropping year, the maximum and significantly higher total bulb yield of 10.21 t/ha was recorded on the Ofla Local cultivar. Moreover, in 2018, this cultivar provided the maximum total bulb yield of 9.80 t/ha. Therefore, the Ofla Local cultivar showed the greatest performance for growth, yield and yield related attributes. Thus, it is recommended for cultivation in areas having similar agro-ecology. To improve the productivity of garlic, it is important to study and identify the optimum fertilizer level and spacing in the study area.

Genetic Parameters and Diversity Studies Among Morphological Traits in Breeding Lines of Garlic (Allium Sativum L.)

Thirty-four promising lines of garlic were grown in randomized block design with three replications under the latesown season in 2019-20 at Vegetable Research Farm of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kalyanpur, Kanpur. The mean sum of squares showed highly significant differences among the lines for all the traits studied, indicating the presence of a sufficient amount of genetic variability. The moderate to higher magnitude of the coefficient of variation at genotypic as well as phenotypic levels was noticed for number of cloves per bulb, marketable bulb yield, average weight of bulb, average weight of cloves and plant height. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for plant height, leaf length, leaf width, polar diameter, number of cloves per bulb, average weight of bulb and average weight of cloves. Marketable bulb yield was positively and significantly correlated with the total bulb yield and dry matter content whereas, a significant negative correlation with leaf width. All the thirtyfour lines of garlic were grouped into five clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics using Tocher’s method. The cluster II and V had among the moderate genetic distance having higher total bulb yield performance along with its contributing traits. The genotypes from cluster IV and V had the most divergent clusters and were suitable for high yielding garlic genotypes among the various advanced breeding lines under late sown conditions. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 225-233, 2023 (June)

Effect of garlic genotypes (Allium sativum L.) on phenotype, growth, yield-related attributes, and nutritional quality at Bule Hora agro-ecology

Inappropriate variety use in different agroecology is one of the primary issues which significantly affect garlic phenotype, growth, yield, and nutritional quality. For this reason, a trial was done during the 2022 main season at the demonstration site of Bule Hora University, to see the impact of genotypes on phenotype, growth, yield-related attributes, and nutritional quality of garlic. The experiment was composed of four varieties namely Kuriftu, Holleta, Chafe, Tsedey 92, and one local cultivar. The trial was set up in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. The output showed that garlic varieties statistically (p < 0.05) affected all phenotype, growth, yield-related attributes, and nutritional qualities. Using a variety of Holleta and kuriftu minimize days of emergence by 9.82 and 10.33 days after planting and 75% physiological maturity by 23.6 and 25.90 days after planting, respectively, beyond variety Tsedey 92. The highest marketable bulb yield (8.21 t/ha, and 8.18 t/ha) was observed from Kuriftu and Holleta, respectively. While the lowest (4.39 t/ha) was from Tsedey 92. The highest Ash, energy, and carbohydrate were recorded from Kuriftu and Holleta, while the least from the Local cultivar. However, the highest moisture content, protein, and fat were observed from local cultivars, while the least from Kuriftu, and Holleta. In general, garlic varieties significantly affected all the phenotype, growth, bulb yield-related, and Nutritional quality. Therefore, it can be concluded that using the variety Kuriftu, and Holleta at Bule Hora agroecology is suggested to boost early germination, better performance, marketable bulb yield, and nutritional quality of garlic.

Effects of Different Irrigation Levels and Fertilizer Rates on Yield, Yield Components and Water Productivity of Onion at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center

Today’s agriculture sector faces a complex series of challenges to cope with the demands for sustainable management and production, which entails an increase in food production to ensure food security while using less water per unit of output and reducing nitrogen (N) fertilizer losses through leaching. The experiment was conducted at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center on-station to study the effect of different irrigation levels and N-fertilizer rates on plant height, bulb yield, bulb diameter, and bulb height and water productivity of onion. The treatments of the experiment had factorial combinations of three levels of watering and four N-fertilizer amounts. Results indicated that the highest plant height (53.07 cm), bulb height (6.13 cm), bulb diameter (6.21 cm), marketable bulb yield (241.39 qt/ha) and total bulb yield (252.89 qt/ha) were obtained from full irrigation and fully N-fertilized compared to the deficit conditions. The highest water productivity was recorded from 60% ETc irrigation level and 150 Kg/ha N-fertilizer application rate, but the reduction in water productivity with 80% ETc and 150 Kg/ha N-fertilizer application rate was not significant. Hence, if water is not limiting factor, 100% ETc irrigation level and 150 Kg/ha N-fertilizer could be suggested to apply. But if water becomes 232 limiting factor, 80% ETc irrigation level with 150 Kg/ha N-fertilizer would be more appropriate for growing onion in the study area. Therefore these can be used as one package of onion production technology and all growers better to apply.

Influences of Seedling Age and Variety on the Growth and Bulb Yield of Onion in Northwest Ethiopia

Onion is one of the major cash crops and helps improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Although genetically and morphologically different, seedlings of all released onion varieties are transplanted at the ages ranging from 40 to 50 days, which contributes to the low level of productivity in Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the research site of Fogera National Research and Training Center during the 2019/20 irrigation season with the objective of identifying the optimum seedling age for improved onion productivity in Northwest Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of three varieties (Adama red, Bombay red, and Nasik red) and four seedling ages (30, 40, 50, and 60 days) of onion, which were laid down in 3 × 4 factorial arrangement using randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth and yield parameters of onion were collected based on the standard procedures and analyzed using SAS version 9.6. The results revealed that both variety and seedling age significantly ( P &lt; 0.001 ) influenced plant height, leaf number, bulb diameter, fresh bulb weight, and marketable bulb yield, while their interaction effect did not influence these parameters. Days to maturity was significantly ( P &lt; 0.001 ) affected by main as well as by the interaction effects of variety and seedling age. Younger seedling took longer time to mature, while older seedlings matured relatively early. The seedlings of Bombay red variety at 60 days age gave the earliest maturity days (105.33 days) compared to the other combinations. The highest plant height (50.18 cm), leaf number (12.00), bulb diameter (53.47 mm), bulb weight (84.39 g), and marketable bulb yield (29.97 t/ha) were recorded from Bombay red variety where the marketable yield recorded from Nasik red was statistically similar with that of Bombay red variety. Seedlings with 60 days old performed best in terms of all the tested growth and yield parameters including the highest marketability (32.03 t/ha). Accordingly, 60 days old seedlings and Bombay red and Nasik red varieties can be used to increase the productivity of onion in the study area and areas with similar agroecology.

Effect of Nitrogen and Water Use on Yield And Storability of Onion

A Field experiment was conducted at Regional Spices Research Centre, BARI, Gazipur and Spices Research Sub-Centre, BARI, Lalmonirhat to find out the water and nitrogen use efficiency of onion (Allium cepa L.) as influence by different levels of soil moisture regimes and nitrogen doses during rabi season of 2020-2021. The experiment was designed in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design having three replications. The treatment composed of three soil moisture regiems (10%, 20% and 30% depletion of soil moisture over field capacity) and three nitrogen doses (150, 100 and 75 kg ha-1). The individual as well as interaction effect of soil moisture and nitrogen levels showed significant effect on yield and yield contributing parameters, storability, nitrogen and water use efficiency except the TSS of onion. The highest bulb yield (21.49 t ha-1 in Gazipur &amp; 22.79 t ha-1 in Lalmonirhat), marketable bulb yield (18.0 t ha-1 in Gazipur &amp; 20.0 t ha-1 in Lalmonirhat), harvest index (598.0% in Gazipur &amp; 607.9% in Lalmonirhat) were recorded when the crop irrigated at 10% depletion of field capacity and plant supplied with 100kg Nha-1. Similarly, the maximum nitrogen use efficiency (54.74% in Gazipur &amp; 61.38% in Lalmonirhat) and the maximum water use efficiency (105.76 kg ha-1 mm-1 in Gazipur &amp; 108.06 kg ha-1 mm-1 in Lalmonirhat) were also observed from the above mentioned treatment combinations. Total PLW was higher (16.3% in Gazipur and 21.1% in Lalmonirhat) with irrigation was given applied at 10% depletion of field capacity and application of 150 kg N ha-1 during 120 days of storage.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(1): 119-142, March 2022