Maximum Bulb Yield Research Articles

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.

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.

Effects of Vermicompost and PSB on the Vegetative Growth and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2020-21 at research farm R.B.S. College, Bichpuri, Agra (U.P) to study the “effects of Vermicompost and PSB on the vegetative growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.)”. In this experiment 7 treatment were applied with three replications and laid out in randomized block design (RBD). Treatments were (T1) 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (NPK) (Control), (T2) 80% RDF + Phosphate Solubilizeing Bactira (PSB) (5kg/ha.), (T3) 80% RDF + VC, (T4) 80% RDF+VC + PSB (5kg/ha.), (T5) 100 %RDF + PSB (5kg/ha.), (T6) 100% RDF + VC (5kg/ha.) and (T7) 100% RDF + VC + PSB (5kg/ha.). On the basis of experiment conducted that the treatment T7 i.c, application 100% RDF+VC+ PSB (5kg/ha.) was found superior among the treatments for growth and yield of onion, the maximum bulb yield (332.64 q/ha) was obtained by application of treatment T7 100% RDF+VC+ PSB (5kg/ha.).

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on Bulb Yield and Profitability of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Crop in Western Uttar Pradesh, India

A field experiment was carried out at Horticulture Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.) 250110 during the Rabi seasons of year 2021-22 and 2022 to fulfil various objectives of yield and profitability of bulbs of onion for western Uttar Pradesh climatic conditions. A total of eleven treatments were used in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Out of the eleven treatments, T7 - 75% RDF + FYM@ 2 t/ha + VC@ 1 t/ha + Biofertilizers (Azospirillum + PSB @ 5 kg/ha each) had a beneficial effect on maximum bulb yield (337.49 q/ha), net return (Rs. 208438.14 ha-1) and cost-benefit ratio (4.29) followed by 75% RDF + Biofertilizers (Azospirillum + PSB @ 5 kg/ha each). Whereas, the lowest bulb yield (122.16 q/ha) was observed in T1 – Control treatment followed by T8- 50% RDF + FYM @ 12 t/ha. While the minimum net return (Rs. 48307.20 ha-1) and cost-benefit ratio (1.97) were recorded in T1 – Control treatment followed by treatment T4- 75% RDF + FYM @ 6 t/ha.

Evaluation of short day local and exotic onion genotypes

Onion is one of the important spices of daily dishes in Bangladesh and are shortage in production of the crop. Due to high photosensitivity in onion, only short-day types are suitable for cultivation in the particular agroclimatic condition of the country. But lack of high yielding potentiality in the existing cultivar along with limited variability within the available germplasm is the major drawback in onion production. To mitigate the problem, the present investigation was done to identify suitable short-day onion genotypes at the Regional Spices Research Centre, BARI, Gazipur during rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20. Twenty-nine local and exotic short-day onions were evaluated including two local checks BARI Piaz-1 and BARI Piaz-4. δ2p and PCV was higher than δ2g and GCV in almost all the traits studied and higher heritability (h2b) was observed for total bulb yield. Significant variations were found in morphological and physiological traits for bulb production. Considerably higher bulb length and diameter were found from Ac_G_18_379, Ac_B_18_413, Ac_B_18_420, Ac_B_18_428, BARI Piaz-4, Ac_B_18_419 and Ac_B_18_417. Minimum bulb splitting (%) and bolting (%) were obtained from the genotypes Ac_G_18_379, Ac_G_18_381, Ac_B_18_413 and BARI Piaz-4. Higher dry matter content was noted for the genotypes BARI Piaz-4 (17.9 %), Ac_B_18_425 (21.73 %) and Ac_G_18_384 (21.57 %) along with the TSS ranged from 10.5 to 17.780Brix. The maximum bulb yield was obtained from the genotype Ac_B_18_413 (20.69 t/ha), followed by Ac_G_18_383 (20.6 t/ha), Ac_B_18_419 (18.48 t/ha) and Ac_B_18_417 (18.2 t/ha). These genotypes could be recommended for commercial cultivation as well as to use in future onion breeding program. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(2): 27-43

Nitrogen Nutrition Affect the Growth and Bulb Yield of Garlic (Allium Sativum L.)

Nitrogen (N) is one of the critical nutrients for productivity and quality of cultivated crop species. However, its overused in crop cultivation caused several environmental concerns. Hence its proper use in agriculture is not only pre-requisite for sustainable crop cultivation but also necessary to control environmental pollution. A field trial was designed at experimental area of Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture university Tando Jam, Pakistanto test the response of garlic varietiesto N nutrition in terms of growth and bulb attributed traits during the winter season, 2020-21. The N effect on growth and yield associated traits of two garlic varieties (local white and purple top) were investigated by applying four Nrates that included 0, 50 kg, 100 kg and 150 kg ha-1. The findings of the trial exhibitedthat N application at various rates had substantial positiveimpact on the growth and bulb development of garlic at (P<0.05). The garlic plantation receivedNat maximum rate (150 kg ha-1) resulted tallest plants,better neck thicknesswith more leaves plant-1. The N also positively affected the bulb yield and other yield parameters of garlic.The maximum bulb yield was obtained when plants were nourished with 150 Kg N ha-1that was 381.98 % more than the control. It was noted that increase inN rates was statistically dominant over other doses. The varietal influence on garlic indicated that variety purple top performed better than local white in terms of yield associated traits..These findings provide new insight regarding the significance of N nutrition in improving the growth and bulb yield of garlic genotypes

Evaluation of Onion Cultivars for Response to Purple Blotch Complex (Alternaria Porri, Stemphylium Vesicarium) And Yield Performance

Onion (Allium cepa) is one of the most important spices in Bangladesh. It suffers from various diseases from seedbed to field. Purple blotch (Alternaria porri) and white blotch (Stemphylium vesicarium) simultaneously attack the crop, causing a purple blotch complex. To assess locally available onion cultivars for response to purple blotch complex and yield performance, a three-year experiment was conducted in the net house and research field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, during the winter of 2010-11, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Fourteen onion cultivars, namely BARI Piaz-1, BARI Piaz-2, BARI Piaz-3, BARI Piaz-4, BARI Piaz-5, Taherpuri, Indian hybrid, Lal Teer onion seed, Masud onion seed, Thakurgoan local, Faridpur local, Manikgong local, Indian big and Indian small were used in the experiment. Among the evaluated cultivars, BARI Piaz-3 showed the lowest disease incidence and severity and the maximum bulb yield, followed by BARI Piaz-2 and Indian big. The disease incidence, severity, and yield for BARI Piaz-3 were 54.45-36.33%, 5.75-12.01%, and 10.97-13.89 t/ha, while the corresponding values for BARI Piaz-2 were 41.49, 44.01, and 7.28-10.79 t/ha, respectively. In contrast, Indian big had disease incidence, severity, and yield values of 36.52-58.79%, 15.43-22.96%, and 8.41-10.60 t/ha, respectively. Therefore, the cultivar BARI Piaz -3 and 2 may be recommended for extension of cultivation.Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2021) 25 (2) : 37-46

Management of Onion Thrips <i>Thrips Tabaci</i> Lindeman

Field efficacy studies of three insecticides at different doses (fipronil 80WG @ 50, 75, 100 g; dimethoate 30EC @ 500, 625, 750 ml and malathion 50EC @ 625 ml/ ha) were carried out against thrips Thrips tebaci Lindeman and their natural enemies on onion crop during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20. The experiments were done at farmer’s field near Regional Research Station Gurdaspur. Results revealed that insecticidal treatments significantly reduced thrips incidence (45.12- 79.34% over control), of which dimethoate 30EC and fipronil 80WG were the best. The maximum bulb yield (292.87 q/ ha) was obtained with application of dimethoate 30EC @ 750 ml/ ha which was on par with fipronil 80WG @ 100 g/ ha (287.23 q/ ha). The cost: benefit ratio revealed that highest dose of dimethoate 30EC was superior giving maximum net returns with C: B of Rs. 1: 43. The evaluated insecticides did not have any effect on the natural enemies of onion insect pests.

Evaluation of cultural practices for weed management in maize-based cropping system in Palam valley, Himachal Pradesh

A study was carried out during 2017-19 at Palampur in an ongoing experiment under All India Coordinated Research Project on Weed Management (AICRP-WM). Ten weed control treatments based on hoeing, stale seed bed + hoeing, raised stale seed bed (RSSB) + hoeing, mulch, stale seed bed + mulch, raised stale seed bed (RSSB) + mulch, intercropping, crop rotation, intensive cropping and herbicide check (pendimethalin in pea/garlic and atrazine in maize) were tested during Rabi 2017-18 to Kharif 2019. There were 22 weed species in garlic and 19 weed species in maize. Phalaris minor, Daucus carota and Anagallis arvensis were the major weeds, constituting 17.0, 14.0 and 12.0 per cent, respectively of the total weed flora in garlic during 2017-18. Commelina benghalensis L., Galinsoga parviflora and Ageratum sp. were the major weeds constituting 21.0, 17.0 and 11.0 per cent, respectively of the total weed flora in maize. Maximum bulb yield (3472 kg/ha) was recorded with RSSB + hoeing and was statistically at par with herbicide check and SSB + hoeing. In maize, the highest cob yield was recorded in RSSB + mulch followed by mulch. Maize equivalent yield was higher in intercropping followed by intensive cropping and RSSB + mulch treatments. In 2019, 22 and 13 weed species occurred in pea and maize, respectively. The maximum pea pod yield was with intensive cropping followed by herbicide check in Rabi 2018-19. Herbicide check gave highest green cob yield (10323 kg/ha) of maize and was statistically equivalent to RSSB + hoeing (9208 kg/ha green cobs yield). Higher productivity (maize equivalent yield of 11420 kg/ha) was realized with the herbicide check which was at par with RSSB + hoeing (10160 kg/ha). The B:C followed the trend of intensive cropping > intercropping > herbicide check > RSSB + hoeing > RSSB + mulch.

​Response of Plant Growth Regulator on Bulb Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Background: Maharashtra ranks first in onion (Allium cepa L.) production with a share of 28.32%. However, the productivity of onion is low as compared to other countries. In order to enhance onion productivity, new and innovative agri-inputs are being tried continuously like providing humic acid, fulvic acid, plant growth regulators (PGR), auxin/amino acid spray, seaweed extract, biofertilizers, sulphur application etc. PGRs are considered to be one of the novel inputs that can help in increasing the productivity of onion in India economically. Plant growth regulators are considered as a new generation of agrochemicals when added in small amounts, modify the growth of the plants usually by stimulation or modifying one part of natural growth regulatory system, thereby increasing the crop yield. Most of the research data available is based on biochemical, seaweeds etc. Almost negligible literature is available pertaining to a PGR made with formulation of Seaweed extract and Protein Hydrolysate. An attempt has been made in this research work to evaluate the effect of PGR formulated with seaweed extract and Protein Hydrolysate as major constituents on onion bulb yield through both foliar and drenching application. Methods: A field experiment for evaluating the effect of plant growth regulator (PGR) formulated by Research and Development Department, M/s Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited was conducted at Chilli and Vegetable Research Farm, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (MH). During the experiment, the effect of different concentration of PGR viz., 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8% and 1.0%, 1.2%, 1.4% and 1.6% through foliar and drenching application, respectively were studied. Result: Statistically, significant results of plant growth regulator application on vegetative growth, yield and qualitative characters of onion crop were observed. Significantly, maximum bulb yield was observed in the treatment PGR @ 0.6% (255.41 kg/ha) through foliar application which is at par with the treatment PGR @ 1.4% (246.67 kg/ha) through soil drenching along with RDF. According to the results, the suitable PGR dose for studied characters of onion under prevailing conditions was 0.6% foliar spray and 1.4% soil drenching along with recommended dose of fertilizers.

Influence of different levels of planting time and spacing on growth and yield of multiplier onion (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don.) Cv. Meitei Tilhou under Manipur condition

Study on the “Effect of Planting Time and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Multiplier Onion (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don.) cv. Meitei Tilhou under Manipur Condition” in the rabi season of 2019-20 in the research field of Department of Horticulture, COA, CAU, Imphal from November 2019 to April 2020. The layout of the experimental field was carried out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) constituting three levels of spacing (S1: 10 cm × 10cm, S2: 10 cm × 15cm, S3: 15 cm × 20) and four levels of planting time (P1: 10th November, P2: 25th November, P3: 10th December, P4: 25th December). From the current study, it was observed at wider spacing 15cm×20cm (S3), growth parameters like number of leaves (49.52), number of bulblets per clump (14.38), and neck girth (6.36 mm) were maximum, yield contributing characters fresh weight of compound bulb (41.7 g), polar diameter (22.92 mm) and equatorial diameter (16.59 mm) and maximum average bulb weight (2.54 g) were also higher. However, maximum plant height (45.47 cm) and yield per hectare (21.34 t/ha) was obtained at closer spacing 10cm×10cm (S1), Early planting date of 10th November (P1) resulted in superior growth, maximum bulb yield and yield contributing characters, and it was closely followed by 25th November (P2). Interaction of planting time and spacing significantly influenced plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight of compound bulb, and yield.

Study of growth, phenology and bulb yield in garlic (Allium sativum L.) genotypes under Malwa plateau of Madhya Pradesh

The present field experiment entitled “Evaluation of different genotypes of garlic (Allium sativum L.) under Malwa Plateau of Madhya Pradesh” conducted at College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, (M.P.) during the Rabi season 2018-19. The investigation was carried out with 25 genotypes includes 17 local collections and 8 released varieties were studied. The research experiment was laid out in simple Randomized Block Design in three replications during the year 2018-19. The analysis of variance revealed significant difference in all the growth parameters among the genotypes. However, the genotypeT4 G-282 was recorded highest leaf area (31.29, 64.42, 85.85, 159.88 and 167.88 cm2 plant-1), leaf area index (0.32, 0.5, 0.82 and 1.09), leaf area duration (4.79, 7.51, 12.29 and 11.56 cm2 day-1) at all the growth phases of the plant. Maximum CGR and RGR recorded in the genotypes T15 MDS local-6 at 30-60 DAS (0.64 and 35.71), T4 G-282 at 60-90 DAS (1.65 and 66.81) and at 120-harvest (6.09 and 144.19), while T10 MDS local-1 at 90-120 DAS (2.98 and 86.87). The genotype T4 G-282 is superior in chlorophyll content (56.53, 68.03, 88.90, 91.79 and 83.40 SPAD), fresh weight of plant (8.57, 17.12, 56.36, 93.50 and 132.47 g) at 30, 60, 90, 120 and harvest respectively, and maximum bulb yield (173.04 q ha-1). In the phenological parameters, genotypes T21 Ratlam local (4.00), T17 MDS local-8 (4.00) and T3 G-50 (4.00) were found to be early emergence, T4 G-282 (6.00) early germination andT25 Neemuch local-3 (138.00), T24Neemuch local-2 (138.00) early mature as compare to other genotypes.

Effect of INM on growth, bulb yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Agrifound Dark Red

The present experiment was carried out on onion cultivar Agrifound Dark Red during Rabi season 2018-19 with objective to know the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, bulb yield and quality of onion. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of T1 -Control, T2 – 100% NPK, T3– 75% NPK +Azotobactor, T4 – 75% NPK + PSB, T5 – 75% NPK + Azotobactor + PSB, T6- 50% NPK + Azotobactor, T7 - 50% NPK +PSB, T8 - 50% NPK + Azotobactor + PSB, T9 - 100% NPK + Vermicompost. Results revealed that application of different levels of fertilizers, viz., organic manures and biofertilizers either alone or in combination significantly increased the growth, bulb yield and quality of onion as compared to control. The maximum bulb yield (235.483q/ha) and diameter of bulb (4.443cm) were recorded with 100% NPK + Vermicompost.

Field efficacy of newer insecticides against onion thrips Thrips tabaci Lindeman

Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive seasons (kharif and rabi) during 2017–18 to evaluate the efficacy of three newer insecticides, including cyantraniliprole (@ 90 & 120 gm ai/ha), emamectin benzoate (@ 11 & 22 gm ai/ha), tolfenpyrad @ 125 ai/ha along with a conventional insecticide, profenofos @ 160 ai/ha. A total of seven treatments, including untreated control, were imposed with a randomized block design having three replications. All the insecticides were found effective against thrips. Profenofos @ 160 ai/ha was the most effective with reduction of 86.8–90% of population of thrips, low leaf curing and a maximum bulb yield (20.8–24.2 t/ha). Cyantraniliprole @ 120 gm ai/ha was the next best with 73.879% decrease of thrips population, low leaf curling index and higher bulb yield (20.9–22.1 t/ha) and was on par with profenofos.

English

Field experiment was conducted at Ambo during the 2017/2018 to investigate effects of drip lateral spacing and mulching on yield, water use efficiency and net return of onion. Eight treatments with three replications were randomized in complete block design to conduct the experiment. Two levels of drip lateral spacing and four levels of mulch were used to evaluate their effects. The result showed that both onion yield and water use efficiency were affected by main effects of drip lateral spacing and mulching but not affected by their interaction effect. The maximum bulb yield 34990 and 35117 kg ha-1 of onion were recorded from onion grown under drip lateral in every row and white plastic mulching, respectively. Water use efficiency of 1.14 and 1.15 kg L-1 were recorded from onion grown under drip lateral spacing in every row and white plastic mulching, respectively. Even though white plastic mulch scores significantly higher yield and water use efficiency, highest net returns of 246,410 and 284,616 ETB ha-1 were obtained from drip laterals in every rows and no mulch, respectively. This suggests that drip laterals in every rows and no mulching is economically feasible for drip irrigated onion production at Ambo. Key words: Drip irrigation, drip lateral spacing, mulching, bulb yield, water use efficiency, net return, Ambo woreda. &nbsp

Optimum rate of NPS fertilizer for economical production of irrigated onion (Allium cepa L) in Dembyia District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Onion is one of the most important vegetable crops grown under irrigation in Amhara Region. Application of fertilizer is an important input to increase yields of vegetables including onion where its rate mostly depends on the fertility status of the particular soil. The present study was initiated with the objective to identify the optimum rate of the newly introduced NPS fertilizer for maximum bulb yield of onion under irrigated smallholder farming system. The study was conducted in Dembyia District during the 2014/2015 irrigation season. Twelve NPS fertilizer rates were laid down on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications to identify the optimum rates of NPS where maximum yield of Adama Red onion variety can be obtained. The results of the experiment revealed that most of the growth and yield parameters of onion were significantly affected by NPS fertilizer. The longest plant height (60.1 cm) was recorded when N:P2O5:S was applied at the rate of 73.5:92:16.95 kg ha-1, respectively. The longest (51.1cm) and widest (1.44 cm) onion leaves were recorded on plants where N:P2O5:S was applied with 136.5:119.6:22 kg ha-1. Onion plants supplied with 105:119.6:22 kg ha-1 N:P2O5:S fertilizer rate gave the highest mean bulb weight (198.8 g), marketable yield (20.8 ha-1) and total bulb yield (21.4 t ha-1). Similarly, onion plants supplied with 105:119.6:22 kg ha-1 N:P2O5:S fertilizer rate recorded the highest marginal rate of return followed by those onion plants supplied with 105: 92:16.95 kg ha-1. Onion plants which were not supplied with NPS fertilizer showed generally lower growth and yield parameters. Application of NPS fertilizer at the rate of 105:119.6:22: kg ha-1 N:P2O5:S can be recommended for economical production of onion in the study area.

Scheduling weed management practices for improving weed control efficiency and bulb yield in onion

An experiment was conducted under All India Network Research Project on Onion and Garlic, operating at the College of Horticulture, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Sambalpur, Odisha during Rabi, 2010–11 to compare the efficacy of different weed control methods in onion. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight combinations of weed management practices and replicated thrice. Results revealed that significantly highest marketable bulb yield (19.19 t/ha) and total bulb yield (22.80 t/ha) was obtained with a higher percentage ‘A’ grade bulb (34.04 %) and an average bulb weight (69.83 g) by the application of oxyfluorfen before planting + one hand weeding at 45 days after transplanting. The identical weed management practice recorded highest 66.09% of weed control efficiency along with the lowest number of monocot weeds (26.33/m2), minimum fresh weight of weeds (40.08 g/m2) and minimum dry weight of weeds (14 g/m2). Imposition of manual hand weeding at 45 DAT facilitates a weed-free situation to the crop. Hence, it was concluded that maximum bulb yield can be obtained with the application of oxyfluorfen before planting + one hand weeding at 45 DAT due to the influence of oxyfluorfen and one manual hand weeding on monocot weeds during the crop growth period.

Participatory Evaluation of Improved Onion Varieties for Management of Onion Maggot (Delia antique) at Chirr Keble Delomenna District South Eastern Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the onion producing countries of the world and Bale Zone is one of the most productive areas of onion crop within a country. Pastoralist’s andagro pastoralists living from low land to highland areas of this zone are involved in onion production and the area is known by its huge potential. Even if the extensive onion production techniques used by smallholder farming generate very high income, these practices are threatening the sustainability of such farming because of many pests. The most prominent and devastating insect pests in study area is onion maggot. Therefore the Study intended to do the research on Participatory Evaluation of Improved Onion Verities for Management of Onion maggot. It was conducted on Bale zone Delomena woreda chirri kebel. The treatments consisted of three varieties namely: Melkam, Bombay and Nafis. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replication. The results of this study revealed that variety Bombay red and melkam are showed the symptom of onion maggot starting from seedling up to vegetative stage however variety Nafis is not totally show the symptom. Variety Bombay and melkam are showed the symptom at seedling stage maggot pupa on the base of the crop and yellowing of leaf at the vegetative stage. However, there are no significant yield losses at harvesting time. On the other hand the use of different varieties significantly affect plant height, number of leaf, pseudo steam length, bulb weight, bulb length and yield /ha. The highest plant height (69.07 cm) are found in Nafis while the lowest (53.03 cm) in melkam, The highest number of leaf (7.33) found in melkam while lowest (5) in Bombay red, The highest pseudo steam length (15.2) found in Bombay red while lowest (12.9) in Nafis, The highest bulb weight (110.10) found in Nafis red while lowest (80.17) in melkam, The highest bulb length (14.68) found in Nafis red while lowest (10.17) in Bombay red, The highest yield/ha (305.97) found in Nafis red while lowest (246.90) in Bombay red. Generally maximum bulb yield and bulb quality where obtained from Nafis variety and this variety was not affected by onion maggot. In addition to the finding the variety also selected by pastoral research group (PRG) in terms of both yield and resistant to onion maggot. Therefore, it is suggested that using Nafis verity in Delomena chirr Keble is effective for producing high yield and maggot resistant onion.

Evaluation of the effects of FYM and gypsum on onion (Allium cepa L.) production under sodic water irrigation

A field experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the effect of FYM and gypsum on onion (Allium cepa L.) production under sodic water irrigation. Treatments comprised of three levels of farm yard manure (FYM) (F0- no FYM, F1- 10 t/ha and F2- 20 t/ha FYM) and three levels of gypsum (G0- nogypsum, G1- 50% neutralization of RSC and G2- 100% neutralization of RSC) in addition to control (irrigation with sodic water and no FYM and no gypsum F0G0). Results of the study showed that the seedling mortality was maximum (77.50 %) in control (F0G0) treatment, while minimum number of seedlings mortality (18.17 %) was observed in (F2G2) treatment followed by (25.17 %) (F2G1) treatment. There was significant increase in growth and yield of onion with application of FYM and gypsum. Moreover, maximum bulb yield (180.83 q/ha) was recorded in (F2G2) followed by F2G1 (152.22 q/ha) where 100% sodicity of water was neutralized by the application of gypsum and 20 t/ha FYM. Under sodic water conditions, increasing level of gypsum and FYM help in reducing the sodicity of irrigation water and thereby, increasing the yield of onion. The study concluded that in present situation of scarcity of good quality water for agricultural purposes, use of amendments like FYM and gypsum were best alternative for the best possible use of poor quality ground water and simultaneously sustain the yield of vegetable crops like onion which are sensitive to sodic water.

Effect of surfactant on the efficacy of insecticides against onion thrips (Thrips tabaci)

The present experiment was carried out with an objective to find out the effect of surfactant on the efficacy of insecticides, because the use of insecticides for the control of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) is relatively less promising due to onion leaf pattern and texture. The minimum thrips population (6.48/plant) and thrips incidence (19.57%) were recorded at 15 days after spray in the fipronil 5 SC at 2 ml + surfactant at 0.5 ml/l of water, followed by lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC at 2 ml + surfactant at 0.5 ml (8.85/plant and 21.51%, respectively). While, imidacloprid 17.8 SL alone at 0.4 ml/l of water showed higher thrips population (21.78/plant) when compared to other treatments and which was found at par with untreated control. The efficacy of insecticides was significantly increased by addition of surfactant from 14.60 to 33.20 and 7.52 to 23.10% in minimizing the number of thrips/plant and thrips incidence %, respectively. The minimum thrips damage severity (1.36) and maximum bulb yield (254.83 q/h) with highest cost benefit ratio (1:6.84) was recorded in fipronil 5 SC at 2 ml + surfactant at 0.5 ml/l of water followed by lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC at 2 ml + surfactant at 0.5 ml (1.62, 249.50 q/ha and 1:6.14, respectively). Fipronil 5 SC and lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC without surfactant showed intermediate thrips damage severity (1.68 and 1.96, respectively), bulb yield (241.53 and 238.52 q/ha, respectively), and cost benefit ratio (1:5.68 and 1:5.26, respectively). The insecticides along with surfactant reduced the thrips damage severity (10.46–19.05%) and increased the bulb yield (1.97–5.51%) in different treatments when compared with the insecticides without surfactant. Along with insecticides the use of surfactant could be highly desirable.