Onion Production Research Articles

Studies on Effect of Planting Dates on Seed Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in North Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

Aim: To study the effect of planting dates on seed quality of onion varieties. Study Design: Split plot design and FCRD. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Hagari, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (Karnataka) during Rabi 2023-24. Methodology: Two varieties as main plot with five planting dates as sub plots. Results: The results revealed that significantly highest seed germination (89.3 %), shoot length (8.97 cm), root length (7.02 cm) and seedling vigour index I and II (1428 and 1294, respectively) in D1 (1st fortnight of November). While, lowest seed germination (84.7 %), shoot length (7.65 cm), root length (6.04 cm), and seedling vigour index I and II (1250 and 1047, respectively) in D5 (1st fortnight of January). Among the varieties, Bhima super (V2) registered significantly highest seed germination (87.8 cm), shoot length (8.49 cm), root length (6.18 cm), and seedling vigour index I and II (1291 and 1116, respectively). Whereas, lowest seed germination (86.5 cm), shoot length (8.07 cm), root length (5.89 cm), and seedling vigour index I and II (1209 and 978, respectively) recorded in Bellary red (V1). Conclusion: The results of present investigation revealed that, bulbs planted during 1st fortnight of November and Bhima super were found to be superior for high quality seed production of onion.

Impact of Levels of Nutrient Management on Economics of Soybean-onion and Soybean-potato Cropping System

Background: Nutrient management and cropping sequence are two important factors which affect productivity and profitability of crop. Profitability is one the important part of the successful crop production. Soybean fixes atmospheric nitrogen in soil and partially fulfills the nitrogen requirement of succeeding crops. There is a need for a suitable substitute crop or cropping systems after soybean to improve the soil fertility and productivity to maximize the profitability. The plains of Maharashtra are well suited for onion and potato cultivation. There is scope for increasing the area, production and productivity of onion and potato crop. Majority of farmers in Maharashtra following soybean-wheat and soybean-chickpea crop sequence while in present investigation soybean is grown in sequence with vegetable crop such as onion and potato which could help to increase profitability through higher net return and B: C ratio. Methods: The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Six combinations of two crop sequences (soybean-onion and soybean-potato) and three levels of nutrient management viz., 50% RDF+FYM 5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer (N1), 75 % RDF+ FYM 5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer (N2) and 100 % RDF+ FYM 5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer (N3) were the main plot treatments in kharif season replicated three times in randomized block design. During rabi season each main plot treatment of nutrient management level was split into three sub plot treatments with three levels of recommended dose of fertilizer viz., 75% RDF (F1), 100% RDF (F2) and 125% RDF (F3) to rabi season crops resulting in eighteen treatment combinations replicated three times in split plot design. The data pertaining to growth characteristics, yield characteristics, economics of soybean (kharif) and onion or potato (rabi) was collected at regular interval in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Agronomy Farm, Dr. PDKV, Akola which was analyzed statistically in SPD (split plot design). Result: Soybean-onion crop sequence registered higher profitability in terms of GMR, NMR and B: C in comparison with soybean - potato crop sequence. Soybean crop supplied with 100% RDN+ 5 t FYM ha-1 + Biofertilizer (Rhizobium japonicum+ PSB+ Tricoderma viridi) recorded highest GMR, NMR and B:C ratio over lower levels of treatments in all year experimentation. Rabi crops treated with 125% RDF recorded GMR, NMR and B:C ratio over lower levels of treatments in all years of experimentation.

Constraints Faced by the Farmers in the Production and Marketing of Onions in the Western Undulating Zone of Odisha, India

This paper aimed to investigate the limitations associated with onion farming in the western undulating agroclimatic zone of Odisha, specifically regarding production, marketing, and storage. The study employed a multi-stage purposive sampling technique. The state was divided into 10 zones based on agro-climatic characteristics, and the district from the western undulating zone, Kalahandi districts, was purposively chosen since many farmers in these regions, like others in Odisha, cultivate onions throughout the winter season. A total of 90 farmers (45 from Bhawanipatna block and 45 from Golamunda block) were selected at random and interviewed directly for the purpose of study. Furthermore, the location, climatic conditions, and soil are ideal for onion cultivation. Kalahandi was chosen in 2021–2022. According to the survey, labour shortages for weeding, ignorance of improved varieties, high labour costs, ineffective and expensive weedicides, high seed costs, etc. were the top five problems faced by onion growers. The main difficulties faced by onion growers during marketing included low prices during harvest, which were followed by sharp price fluctuations, high transportation costs, payment delays, a lack of market news and information, a lack of storage facilities, etc. in the research area. To ensure an effective produce marketing system, the government, developmental agencies, marketing boards, and NAFED should intervene by enhancing the market infrastructure at the taluk and district levels and supplying timely market information. Farmers may be able to overcome the issue of price fluctuations if government authorities intervene promptly and announce an extension or announcement of the government support price for onion crops.

Analysis of Marketing Channels and Supply Chain Dynamics in Onion Production in Siraha District of Nepal

Analysis of Marketing Channels and Supply Chain Dynamics in Onion Production in Siraha District of Nepal

Evaluating the Efficacy of Insecticide on the Management of Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci, Lindemann) in Northwestern Zone of Tigray

Ethiopia has enormous potential to produce the onions throughout the year both for domestic use and export market. It is also the most cultivated and high market value of vegetable crops in Tigray Northern Ethiopia. However, the productivity of onion is highly constrained such as insect pests, diseases, lack of improved verities, lack of improved management practices etc. The major insect pest of onion is Onion thrips and important pests especially in areas where onions are grown under irrigation. The purpose of this study was to test the insecticide chemicals application and application frequency on the Onion production technologies. Therefore, field experiment was conducted to evaluate the insecticide chemical applications with frequency application in 2017 and 2018 under irrigation conditions. Thirteen treatments were used three different insecticide types namely Karatae 5% EC, Dimethote 40%EC, Profit72%EC with four different spraying frequency and untreated (control) laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The current findings showed that the profitable yield was obtained Karatae 5% EC (1st spray) (14.25 t ha-1) followed by Profit72%EC (4th spray) that is (20.25 t ha-1) and the obtained profit was 128053 &181788 birr per ha with the maximum Marginal Rate of Return of 3025 & 2417% respectively in Tselemti woreda. In Medebaayzana woreda also, the profitable yield was obtained Karatae 5% EC (1st spray) (25.79 t ha-1) followed by Karatae 5% EC (4st spray) at (27.75 t ha-1) & Dimethote 40% EC (3rd spray) at (25.78 t ha-1) and 231976, 249463 & 231544 birr per ha obtained profit with the maximum Marginal Rate of Return of 2634, 2395 & 2311 % respectively. Therefore, Karatae 5% EC (1st spray) in Tselemti & Medebayzana woreda & Profit72%EC (4th spray) in Tselemti woreda and Dimethote 40% EC (3rd spray) in Medebayzana woreda was profitable preventive Onion Thrips for Onion production in the studies area.

Integrated effects of furrow irrigation systems and irrigation regimes on water productivity of onion (Allium Cepa L.) crop in a semi-arid area

Dwindling water resources with inept field water management impends sustainable agricultural production in semi-arid areas of Ethiopia. Thus, the adaption and adoption of improved irrigation water running lines are indispensable and imperative to recuperate water productivity in areas where water resources are inadequate. The ground experiments were pointed to elucidate the weight of conventional, alternate, and fixed furrow irrigation systems under irrigation levels of 100%, 70%, and 40% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) on onion growth, yield, water productivity, and economic return in Alage, Central, Ethiopia. The field trials were conducted at nine treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications and water was managed at fixed intervals with variable depth approach. The result illustrated that furrow systems in conjunction with irrigation levels had a weighty pertain (P < 0.05) on onion growth, yield, water productivity, and economic return. The highest yield of 30.75 ton ha-1 was achieved at conventional furrow irrigation with 100%ETc dictated to zero water saving subsequently, the crop and irrigation water productivity dropped with the values of 6.86 and 5.61 kg m-3 respectively. The diminished yield of 6.39 ton ha-1 obtained at fixed furrow irrigation with 40%ETc conquered the saved water output lastly, the crop and irrigation water productivities demoted with values of 6.87 and 5.70 kg m-3 respectively. Nevertheless, 24.93ton ha-1 of ideal yield was obtained under alternative furrow irrigation with 100%ETc and the 50% hoarded water was higher than the yield decline. Consequently, the crop and irrigation water productivities rose with values of 10.96 and 9.09 kg m-3 respectively. Eventually, the saved water opened for 0.03ha extra irrigable area that will onward to the highest total expected yield of 37.40 ton ha-1 as compared with all other treatments. Under conventional furrow irrigation with 100%ETc, the obtained yield dominated the wastewater accordingly, the highest net return of 668484ETB ha-1 and benefit-cost ratio of 3.63 was achieved. Besides, the unbearable yield penalty under fixed furrow with 40% headed to negative net return and lowest befit cost ratio as related with other treatments. However, further economic results confirmed that the 50% saved water under alternative furrow with 100% can recompense for the net return reduction that will make this trial combination preferable as compared with other treatments. Other results also recommended that, under water-limiting and inefficient field water governing conditions, alternative furrow irrigation with 100%ETc can be the ideal blend to enhance water productivity in semi-arid regions of Ethiopia and elsewhere that share similar agroclimatic conditions.

IMPACT OF FARMERS PERCPTION OF USING ORGANIC MANURE ON THE ONION PRODUCTION IN KUDAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the impacts of farmers’ perception of using organic manure on the onion production in Kudan Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of onion farmers, assess the impacts of using organic manure on income and productivity, and perception of farmers in using organic manure. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were male (89.5%) with a mean age of 40.76 years, and most households comprised 10-15 members. Compost manure (53%) was the most widely used organic input due to its availability and effectiveness in enhancing soil fertility. The results indicated that the use of organic manure had a positive impact on the productivity and income of onion farmers. Key socio-economic factors influencing productivity and income-included education, access to extension services where farmers received training on organic manure use, farming experience and the quantity of manure applied. For sustainability and continuous use of organic manure in Kudan LGA. Improving access to organic inputs, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and providing targeted education and training on organic farming practices are critical. These recommendations align with recent policies promoting sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.

Bulb Yield and Economic Return of Onion (Allium cepa L.) as Influenced by the Application of Integrated Nutrient Management at Selekleka, Northwestern Zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia

Onion is an important crop as a condiment and income generation for smallholder farmers in northwestern Zone of Tigray. However, Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers and inappropriate soil fertility management practices are among the major factors limiting onion productivity in the North Western Tigray. Therefore, a field experiment was undertaken in selekleka district from October 2015 to June 2016 to assess the effects of integrated nutrient management on bulb yield and economic return of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments consisted of combinations of two rates of farmyard manure (FYM) (10 and 20 t ha-1) and two rates of vermicompost (VC) (2.5 and 5 t ha-1) each combined with three rates of nitrogen (25, 50 and 75) of recommended N fertilizers, RDF. In addition, 100% RDF N (69 kg N ha-1), 100% (5 t ha-1) of VC, 100% (20 t ha-1) FYM and zero rates (unfertilized treatment) were used for comparison. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. (ANOVA) revealed that combined application of 5 t ha-1 VC+50% inorganic N fertilizers recorded the highest bulb yield (35.13 t ha-1) and economic return (246,354 Birr ha-1). On the other hand, the lowest bulb yield (18.48 t ha-1) and economic net return (143,018 Birr ha-1) were obtained from the control. It could, thus, be concluded that, based on the partial budget analysis and bulb yield result the application of 5 t ha-1 vermicompost and 50 % recommended inorganic nitrogen was the appropriate combination for better onion production and economic return in the study area.

Effects of nitrogen fertilization and micro-sprinkler irrigation on soil water and nitrogen contents, their productivities, bulb yield and economics of winter onion production

Effects of nitrogen fertilization and micro-sprinkler irrigation on soil water and nitrogen contents, their productivities, bulb yield and economics of winter onion production

Influence of direct and staggered sowing of pelleted onion (Allium cepa) seeds on various seed yield parameters under Asian mid-hill conditions

The experiment was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh to study the impact of precision planting (using pelleted seeds) and sowing dates on the numerous attributes of the onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Palam Lohit. The study was carried out with the objective to determine whether direct seed sowing would lead to successful seed production in onion under mid-hill conditions (which is not the conventional practice). Also, the staggered sowing dates would help to determine the best sowing time for higher seed production. The experiment was laid in randomized block design (Factorial) (F-RBD) with 3 replications having 19 treatments, including 3 pelleting treatments, viz. P1 (wood ash); P2 (ZnSO4 + wood ash); and P3 (H3BO3 + wood ash); 6 sowing dates, viz. D1 (15th September); D2 (1st October); D3 (15th October); D4 (1st November); D5 (15th November); and D6 (1st December); and Da (traditional bulb planting as control). The study revealed that seed pelleting with ZnSO4 + wood ash and early sowing (15th September) gave best results in terms of emergence (%), plant height, number of seeds/umbel and number of seeds/plant, seed yield and 1000-seed weight. The direct sowing treatments produced seeds in one year as opposed to two years using the conventional bulb planting method, which is traditionally being used in the Asian mid-hills.

Carbon Footprint Assessment Based on Agricultural Traceability System Records: A Case Study of Onion Production in Southern Taiwan

This study proposes an improved methodology based on life cycle assessment (LCA), which is used to calculate the carbon footprint of agriculture, provides a simple and feasible calculation path, and constructs a streamlined framework for calculating the carbon footprint based on the agricultural traceability system records. Using important economic crop (Onion) as research subject, and choose the largest planting area in R.O.C. (southern Taiwan) as a case study. A total of 64 farm production history records have been collected, includes all of farms certified with a traceable agricultural products (TAP) label. Through a detailed analysis of the traditional carbon footprint calculation method, found that agricultural traceability system records could replace the data source in carbon footprint verification (CFV) process, and system records could be used as activity data after being organized. With our method, no need to go through a complicated CFV process, just download the existing data on agricultural traceability system, can start calculating carbon footprint as soon as possible. To compared to traditional assessment method, results show a margin of error is less than 6% compared to traditional assessment methods. Advantages of improved method were be found, such as easy data acquisition, simplified calculation steps, and improved data transparency and accuracy. From statistical data, show that at least seven categories of carbon emission sources for carbon footprints, the most significant of carbon emission impact are fertilizers. The result of improved methodology based on life cycle assessment (LCA), show that using the improved methods can help promote the carbon footprint management efficiency of agricultural organizations such as Farmers’ Association or Agricultural Production Marketing Group, promptly monitor the carbon footprint status of their fields and adjust strategies to reduce carbon footprints in real-time, advancing towards the goal of net-zero carbon emissions.

Influence of Plant Density and Fungicides on Downy Mildew (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Peronospora Destructor&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and Bulb Yield of Onion in Ethiopia

Onion is a popular vegetable crop, which has been produced for its daily uses and economic benefits. Downey mildew caused by the fungus &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Peronospora&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;destructor&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; is among the most important yield-reducing factor in onion production. The effect of three different levels of plant population and fungicide frequency with two different fungicides was studied on downy mildew severity and yield of onion. Nineteen treatment of this Experiment included two fungicides mancozeb + metalaxyl and copper hydrox-ide, three different spraying interval with (10 days, 15 days and 21 days) and three level of plant population (0.71, 0.95 and 1.2 million plants/ha). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications for two year at Fogera and for one year at Dera districts of South Gondar zone Ethiopia. Data on disease severity, bulb yield, bulb number and bulb size were recorded during the time of harvest. The price of bulb yield was assessed from the local market and the total price of the yield obtained from each treatment was computed on hectare basis. Input costs like seed, fungicides and labor were converted into hectare basis according to their frequencies used. Fungicides cost was estimated based on the price of the local market. Cost of the labor was in Birr per man-days; cost of spray and spray equipment to spray per hectare were also calculated. Based on the obtained data from the above mentioned parameters economic analysis was performed. The lowest disease severity was recorded in treatment were lowest level of plant population (0.71 million plant/hectare) spraying with fungicide mancozeb + metalaxyl within 15days interval. In this treatment bulb yield and bulb weight were the highest. The economic evaluation showed that the highest net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return was obtained from T3 (0.71million plants/ha spraying with fungicide mancozeb + metalaxyl within 15days interval).

Determinants of commercialization among onion producer households in southern Ethiopia: a double hurdle approach

This study examined the determinants of onion commercialization of smallholder farmers in the Wolayita and Gomo zones of southern Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. Primary data were collected from randomly selected 160 onion producers by using a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and the double-hurdle econometric model were employed in the analysis. The descriptive statistics indicated that the mean commercialization level of smallholder farmers in the study area was 79.51%, highlighting that onion producers in this region primarily focus on marketing their produce. Using the econometric model the first-stage double hurdle results revealed that family size, farming experience, frequency of extension contacts, and distance to the nearest market were factors significantly affecting the market participation decision of onion producers. The second stage of the double hurdle results indicates that education level, family size, frequency of extension contacts, land size allotted for onion production, and distance to the nearest market were factors that significantly affected the level of onion commercialization. Therefore, policies aimed at increasing farmers' access to better road networks and transportation facilities, improving access to education, promoting agricultural training programs, and improving extension services are recommended to improve the commercialization of onion production.

Evaluation of Trend Models Performance and Forecasting Onion Production: A Comparative Study

Onions, a significant spice crop in Bangladesh, frequently experience price surges due to an imbalance between demand and supply, compelling the government to import onions. The volatility of the onion market in Bangladesh and the measures needed to stabilize the situation require intensive policy attention. Therefore, this study was carried out to forecast the onion production over time and to evaluate the efficacy of various trend models. The secondary data was collected from the Food and Agriculture Organization's Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) from 1972 to 2022. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used to predict the onion production over time. Additionally, metrics such as modified and the coefficient of determination were used to evaluate the effectiveness of eight trend models comprehensively. The findings indicate that the cubic model is superior to others since it has larger and adjusted values. The models' accuracy is also determined utilizing mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and mean absolute deviation (MAD) metrics. The cubic trend model exhibits lower MAPE and MAD values of 29.43% and 80638.67, respectively. Therefore, it is concluded that the ARIMA (2, 2, 2) model is the best model for forecasting the annual production of onion in Bangladesh. A five-year trend analysis spanning from 2023-2027 indicates an upward trend. Such a result offers a critical insight for stakeholders and policymakers in formulating sustainable onion production strategies. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 386-395, 2024

Growth, Instability in Production and Price Forecasting of Onion in Bangladesh

Onion is an essential and popular spice crop which is widely cultivated and consumed in Bangladesh. Every year the country needed to import onion for fulfilling the domestic demand. Onion price has been largely influenced by import price and frequent fluctuation. The objectives of the research were to analyze the onion production behavior, instability, and forecasting of price using secondary data. The study used deterministic growth models and coefficient of variation for analyzing the growth rate and instability. Among different growth models, cubic model was identified as the best-fitted model. The average growth rate was 7.85%, and in instability analysis the coefficient of variation was 71.10%, which implies that onion production was unstable during the period of 1970-2022. Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model was used to forecast onion price. The finding reveals that SARIMA (1, 0, 2) (1, 1, 1)12 model identified as the best model to forecast the onion price in Bangladesh. The results show that onion price followed seasonal trend, and the highest price was in October and November. These findings will support to develop appropriate policies regarding the increase of domestic supply through increased production and storage facilities, reducing post-harvest losses, and price stabilization. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 377-385, 2024

Production of few-layer graphene and boron nitride nano onions via lamp ablation

Abstract Few-layer graphene, and separately, boron nitride nano onions have been synthesised by a novel lamp ablation method which is a one-step, high-yield process that is catalyst-free, devoid of toxic reagents, with short reaction times, and potentially scalable. The precursor for the few-layer graphene is graphite flake, while that of boron nitride nano onions is hexagonal boron nitride powder. Product nanostructures are characterised by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). We also report on our commercialisation trajectory to translate promising research findings in the laboratory to the market. For the few-layer graphene product, it is presently on a pre-commercial pilot plant phase.

Peningkatan Nilai Tambah Bawang Merah melalui Kegiatan ReFORm pada Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Warga Massenrempulu, Kabupaten Enrekang, Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan

There is an increase in red onions production in Enrekang Regency every year. However, the current abundant red onion production is not balanced by an increase in the selling price of red onions which continues to fluctuate. Efforts are needed to increase the added value of red onions which are expected to provide new job opportunities that can increase community income. Efforts to achieve this goal are carried out through community service activities that carry the term reFORm. Reform activities consist of processing red onions products (re-change), processing red onions waste (re-cycle), calculating cost or sales prices (re-account), and marketing processed red onions (re-market). Service activities are carried out with a program implementation scheme through socialization and education, providing training, mentoring and evaluation. The implementation of activities carried out at the KWT Supplir production house with participants from KWT Supplir, and KWT Mekar Jujur Pararuk. The results of activities ranging from socialization to evaluation produced output in the form of improved packaging, the formation of a social media account for KWT Supplir as a forum to market their products and for KWT Meker Jujur, they have added to their KWT activities by starting to produce fried red onoins that are ready and suitable for the market

Onion (Allium cepa) Profit Maximization via Ensemble Learning-Based Framework for Efficient Nitrogen Fertilizer Use

Onion (Allium cepa) is a major field vegetable in South Korea and has been produced for a long time along with cabbage, radish, garlic, and dried peppers. However, as field vegetables, including onions, have recently been imported at low prices, the profitability of onion production in South Korea is beginning to be at risk. In order to maximize farmers’ profits through onion production, this study develops onion yield prediction models via an ensemble learning-based framework involving linear regression, polynomial regression, support vector regression, decision tree, ridge regression, and lasso regression. The use of nitrogen fertilizers is considered an independent variable in the development of the yield prediction model. This is because the use of nitrogen fertilizers accounts for the highest production cost (13.47%) after labor cost (41.21%) and seed cost (17.42%), and it also directly affects onions yields. For the model development, five research datasets on changes in onion yield according to changes in the use of existing nitrogen fertilizers were used. In addition, a non-linear optimization model was devised using onion yield prediction models for the profit maximization of onion production. As a result, the developed non-linear optimization model using polynomial regression enables an increase in profits from onion production by 67.28%.

A Comparative Study on the Antioxidative Activity and Phenolic Content of Fresh and Black (Fermented) Allium Vegetables

Allium genus vegetables have significant functional effects on health. In recent years, consumer demand for black forms of these vegetables, produced from fresh Alliums through spontaneous fermentation at high temperature and humidity, has increased, while their functional effects have yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant capacity and total phenol content of various Allium vegetables (yellow onion, red onion, white onion, and garlic) in both their raw and black (fermented) forms. For the production of black onions and black garlic, unpeeled raw forms of these vegetables were kept at 75 °C and 90% humidity for 9 days. Afterward, fresh and fermented samples were lyophilized, dried, and evaluated for total phenol content by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and for antioxidant activity by the ABTS and DPPH methods. The total phenol content increased significantly in all samples after fermentation (p &lt; 0.05), with the highest increases observed in garlic (216%), while the increases in onion species ranged between 44.6% and 118.3%. The increase in antioxidant capacity was also significant in all samples (p &lt; 0.05) and was higher in garlic than in onions. Changes in antioxidant capacity and total phenol content indicate that fermentation improves the nutritional quality of these vegetables.

Synergistic effect of Pseudomonas putida and endomycorrhizal inoculation on the physiological response of onion (Allium cepa L.) to saline conditions

Salinity stress negatively affects the growth and yield of crops worldwide. Onion (Allium cepa L.) is moderately sensitive to salinity. Beneficial microorganisms can potentially confer salinity tolerance. This study investigated the effects of endomycorrhizal fungi (M), Pseudomonas putida (Ps) and their combination (MPs) on onion growth under control (0 ppm), moderate (2000 ppm) and high (4000 ppm) NaCl salinity levels. A pot experiment was conducted with sandy loam soil and onion cultivar Giza 20. Results showed that salinity reduced growth attributes, leaf pigments, biomass and bulb yield while increasing oxidative stress markers. However, individual or combined inoculations significantly increased plant height, bulb diameter and biomass production compared to uninoculated plants under saline conditions. MPs treatment provided the highest stimulation, followed by Pseudomonas and mycorrhizae alone. Overall, dual microbial inoculation showed synergistic interaction, conferring maximum benefits for onion growth, bulbing through integrated physiological and biochemical processes under salinity. Bulb yield showed 3.5, 36 and 83% increase over control at 0, 2000 and 4000 ppm salinity, respectively. In conclusion, combined application of mycorrhizal-Pseudomonas inoculations (MPs) effectively mitigate salinity stress. This approach serves as a promising biotechnology for ensuring sustainable onion productivity under saline conditions.