Onion Residues Research Articles

Enhanced Biogas Production Using Anaerobic Co-digestion of Animal Waste and Food Waste: A Review

The current review is based on various reports that utilize a variety of kitchen waste & cafeteria leftovers like banana peels, orange peels, onion residues, and kiwi peels and their procedure of methane production under varied conditions. This review also covers the anaerobic digestion [AD] process which is reported to enhance biogas production under enhanced nitrogen supply such as ammonium chloride. We also covered an analysis of biogas production utilizing a mixture of cow dung slurry and kitchen refuse at various environmental conditions. Combining food waste and cow manure through anaerobic co-digestion can generate renewable biogas, reduce environmental impact and improve methane quality, making it a viable method for enhancing biogas production efficiency. Biogas derived from fruit waste and cow manure through anaerobic co-digestion shows increased production compared to processing fruit waste alone. Some factors affecting biogas production include temperature, pH levels and microbial activity. The study explores the dual functionality of fruit waste as an energy source and organic fertilizer. Combining fruit waste and cow manure under mesophilic conditions enhances biogas production. The study suggests that biogas production can improve agricultural practices, reduce environmental impact and serve as an alternative to traditional fuels like firewood.

Boosting Crop Growth Rates of Hybrid Rice (Pukhraj) through Synergistic Use of Organic Nitrogen Sources in Conjunction with Urea Nitrogen

In Northwestern Pakistan’s rice-based cropping systems, the prevalent reliance on inorganic nitrogen fertilizers (INF) has led to insufficient nitrogen (N) contributions from soil organic manures (OM). This study aims to evaluate the impact of organic sources (OS), including animal manures (AM) and crop residues (CR), on crop growth rates (CGR) in a rice-wheat rotation. A two-year field experiment involving hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L., Pukhraj) was conducted in Batkhela, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Various OS and inorganic-N (urea) combinations were applied, emphasizing their influence on CGR. The findings highlight poultry manure (PM) application as the most impactful on CGR, while wheat straw (WS) application resulted in the lowest CGR among the six OS investigated. Additionally, the use of AM showcased superior CGR compared to CR. In the initial year, the highest CGR occurred, with 75% of N sourced from urea and 25% from OS. In the second year, a balanced 50% N application from each source yielded the highest CGR. Urea and PM demonstrated the most robust CGR among OS combinations, while urea and WS yielded the lowest. Notably, onion leaves, a cost-effective option, delivered promising results comparable to berseem residues, indicating their potential as organic manure, especially in sulfur-deficient soils. These findings underscore the viability of onion residue management as a cost-effective alternative to ammonium sulfate fertilizers with global applicability. The abstract recommends promoting organic sources, particularly poultry manure and onion leaves, alongside inorganic-N fertilizers to enhance CGR and reduce dependence on costly alternatives. However, further research and field trials are necessary to explore the long-term impacts of these organic sources on soil health, nutrient cycling, and the sustainability of rice-based cropping systems in Northwestern Pakistan and beyond. In conclusion, this study investigates the influence of organic sources on CGR in rice-wheat rotations, emphasizing the superiority of poultry manure and onion leaves. The findings highlight cost-effective alternatives to conventional fertilizers, emphasizing the need for further research to validate long-term sustainability and applicability beyond the study area.

Characteristic aroma-active components of fried green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) through flavoromics analysis.

Green onion (Allium fistulosumL.) is a perennial herb with a characteristic allium aroma. Meanwhile, fried green onion oil has a rich flavor that is popular in traditional Chinese cuisine. In this work, the key aroma components of fried green onion oil were focused via flavoromics analysis. The oil samples had a low score of a green aroma but a high score of salty, greasy aromas. Whereafter, a total of 36 aroma-active substances with flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 1 to 6561 were identified in fried green onion oil, while 42 were detected in fried green onion residue with FD factors ranging from 1 to 19683. Additionally, the recombination and omission tests revealed that furaneol, dimethyl trisulfide, allyl methyl trisulfide, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, etc., were the key aroma compounds in fried green onion oil. Furthermore, the observation of the reaction of thioethers at high temperatures revealed that dimethyl disulfide undergoes polymerization to form dimethyl trisulfide. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the standardization and industrial production of Chinese cuisine.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Stemphylium Leaf Blight and Potential Inoculum Sources in New York Onion Fields.

Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB) caused by Stemphylium vesicarium is the dominant foliar disease affecting large-scale onion production in New York. The disease is managed by fungicides, but control failures are prevalent and are attributed to fungicide resistance. Little is known of the relative role of inoculum sources in initiation and spread of SLB epidemics. Plate testing of 28 commercially available organic onion seedlots from 2016 and 2017 did not detect S. vesicarium. This finding suggests that although S. vesicarium has been reported as seed-transmitted, this is unlikely to be a significant inoculum source in commercially available organic seed lots and even less so in fungicide-treated seed used to establish conventional fields. The spatial and spatiotemporal dynamics of SLB epidemics in six onion fields were evaluated along linear transects in 2017 and 2018. Average SLB incidence increased from 0 to 100% throughout the cropping seasons with an average final lesion length of 28.3 cm. Disease progress was typical of a polycyclic epidemic and the logistic model provided the best fit to 83.3% of the datasets. Spatial patterns were better described by the beta-binomial than binomial distribution in half of the datasets (50%) and random patterns were more frequently observed by the index of dispersion (59%). Geostatistical analyses also found a low frequency of datasets with aggregation (60%). Spatiotemporal analysis of epidemics detected that the aggregation was influenced by disease incidence. However, diseased units were not frequently associated with the previous time period according to the spatiotemporal association function of spatial analyses by distance indices. Variable spatial patterns suggested mixed inoculum sources dependent upon location, and likely an external inoculum source at the sampling scale used in this study. A small-plot replicated trial was also conducted in each of 2 years to quantify the effect of S. vesicarium-infested onion residue on SLB epidemics in a field isolated from other onion fields. SLB incidence was significantly reduced in plots without residue compared with those in which residue remained on the soil surface. Burial of infested residue also significantly reduced epidemic progress in 1 year. The effect of infested onion residue on SLB epidemics in the subsequent onion crop suggests rotation or residue management may have a substantial effect on epidemics. However, the presence of an inoculum source external to fields in onion production regions, as indicated by a lack of spatial aggregation, may reduce the efficacy of in-field management techniques.

Calidad del suelo en el cultivo de ajo en transición agroecológica en Río Negro, Argentina

ntroduction: Agroecological transition is the adoption of different practices that tend towards sustainable agriculture, among which the substitution of synthetic inputs by alternative or organic ones stands out. Objective: To evaluate the changes in the physicochemical and biological quality of soils fertilized with onion residue compost and cattle manure in a garlic crop. Methodology: Three sources of fertilization were tested in a garlic crop with gravity irrigation: 1) compost of onion residues with cattle manure, 2) monoammonium phosphate and 3) compost and monoammonium phosphate. Five soil samples were taken on different dates and soil respiration, esterase and dehydrogenase activity, and fertility were determined. Results: Similar garlic yields were obtained with the different fertilization sources. In composted soils, electrical conductivity and sodium absorption ratio decreased, but increased until reaching similar values to the soil that received mineral fertilization. Limitations of the study: The agroecological transition proposal is sustainable if compost production is carried out on the same site. Originality: The use of compost from onion production residues and cattle manure is proposed as an alternative for the reduction of synthetic inputs in the production of morado garlic. Conclusions: The use of composted residues from the previous cycles production proved to be a sustainable alternative for the agroecological transition of morado garlic crops with gravity irrigation in the lower valley of Río Negro.

Stemphylium Leaf Blight: A Re-Emerging Threat to Onion Production in Eastern North America.

Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB), caused by Stemphylium vesicarium, is a foliar disease of onion worldwide, and has recently become an important disease in the northeastern United States and Ontario, Canada. The symptoms begin as small, tan to brown lesions on the leaves that can progress to defoliate plants. Crop loss occurs through reduced photosynthetic area, resulting in smaller, lower-quality bulbs. Leaf necrosis caused by SLB also can compromise bulb storage, as green leaves are required for the uptake of sprout inhibitors applied prior to harvest. The pathogen can overwinter on infested onion residue and infected volunteer plants. Asymptomatic weedy hosts near onion fields may also be a source of inoculum. Production of ascospores of the teleomorph (Pleospora allii) peaks in early spring in northeastern North America, often before the crop is planted, and declines rapidly as daily mean air temperatures rise. Conidia are usually present throughout the growing season. Application of fungicides is a standard practice for management of the complex of fungi that can cause foliar diseases of onion in this region. Recent assessments have shown that populations of S. vesicarium in New York and Ontario are resistant to at least three single-site mode-of-action fungicides. Three disease prediction systems have been developed and evaluated that may enable growers to reduce the frequency and/or number of fungicide applications, but the loss of efficacious fungicides due to resistance development within S. vesicarium populations threatens sustainability. The lack of commercially acceptable onion cultivars with sufficient resistance to reduce the number of fungicides for SLB also limits the ability to manage SLB effectively. Integrated disease management strategies for SLB are essential to maintain profitable, sustainable onion production across eastern North America.

Effects of Onion Residue, Bovine Manure Compost and Compost Tea on Soils and on the Agroecological Production of Onions

Organic solid wastes are rarely considered when planning for rural production in Argentina. Onion production in the low valley of Río Colorado (Buenos Aires) generates between 12,000 and 20,000 Mg year−1 of vegetal wastes (i.e., leaves, stems, skins, roots) from harvesting, cleaning and classification of bulbs, causing many problems with their management. The aim of this work is to study the effect of different doses of onion residue-bovine manure compost and onion residue-bovine manure compost tea on the soil physicochemical properties, microbial activity and agroecological onion production in sandy soil. Results showed that the highest dose of compost caused the highest effects on soil pH, electrical conductivity and nutrient content. Soil enzymatic activities were already high in the soil before the compost was applied, which may have contributed to the small effect caused by any dose on soil activity. A significant positive effect on bulb weight and organic onion yield were found as a result of the amendment and growing season. In conclusion, agroecological production of onion with the addition of a 300 kg N ha−1 compost and compost tea guarantee yields comparable to those of conventional fertilization, as occurred during the two growing seasons of this study.

Physicochemical, antioxidant, microstructural, and sensory characteristics of biscuits as affected by addition of onion residue

Onion residue, obtained from onion processing, is valuable source of health-promoting compounds including polyphenols, mainly quercetin. In this study, biscuits were prepared by enrichment with onion residue (OS). Moreover, the influence of OS supplementation on physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, mineral profiles, microstructural and sensory characteristics of biscuits were evaluated. Overall, the addition of OS up to 3% level significantly (p < 0.05) improved nutritional components, quercetin content, antioxidant activities and sensory scores of supplemented biscuits whereas further rises in OS caused sharply declining tendency in textural and sensorial properties. The environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) results showed that OS hindered the structural formation of gluten network in biscuits and led to achieve loose biscuits. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that addition of OS reduced the area of the crystallization zone. Biscuits added with OS up to 3% could be utilized as convenience foods and vehicle of improved nutritional status with health beneficial bioactive compounds. Moreover, supplementation of OS led to improvement of functional properties of biscuits as valuable source of bioactive compounds.

Potential of biocontrol agents against Ganoderma lucidum causing basal stem rot in mesquite (Prosopis cineraria) in arid regions of India

This study investigates the potential of native biocontrol agents (BCAs) as controls against Ganoderma lucidum causing root rot mortality in Indian mesquite. The disease is prevalent in sandy soils where trees grow under rainfed conditions. In addition, a beetle namely Acanthophorus serraticornis damages the roots, resulting in increasing vulnerability of the host thereby allowing easy of the pathogen. In dual culture tests, Ganoderma infected cowpea root bit experiment and compatibility with insecticides revealed that the three BCAs (Trichoderma longibrachiatum, T. harzianum, and Aspergillus nidulans) significantly inhibited G. lucidum mycelial growth. The highest mycelial growth inhibition (47.6%) was recorded after 96 h followed by 39.8% and 29.3% at 72 and 48 h, respectively, by T. longibrachium. Cell free filtrates of T. longibrachiatum, T. harzianum, and A. nidulans were superior in inhibiting mycelium growth. A low concentration (3 ml) of T. longibrachiatum was more effective in inhibiting mycelium growth compared to other BCAs. Both Prosopis juliflora compost and onion residue compost amendments as food substrates favored the growth of these BCAs, which ultimately reduced the viability of Ganoderma-colonized root bits of cowpea. Studies on compatibility between insecticides and BCAs suggests that T. longibrachiatum, harzianum and A. nidulans can be combined with phorate or chloropyriphos (both organophosphates) at variable concentrations if amended together for partially infected trees, or as a prophylactic measure in healthy trees. These studies demonstrate that there is considerable opportunity for using native BCAs against G. lucidum in managing root rot disease.

Chemical Pretreatments to Enrich the Acidogenic Phase in a System Coupled Packed Bed Reactor with a UASB Reactor Using Peels and Rotten Onion Waste

A large amount of onion wastes are produced by both domestically and industrially, making it necessary to search for a reuse process. These wastes causing odor and in some cases causes harm to the environment. At 2017, Mexico produced 1.6 million tons of which 10% are classified as organic waste. The aim of this study was to contribute to the reduction of onion peel residues, using chemical pretreatments (H2SO4, HCl, H3PO4 and NaOH) to enrich the acidogenic phase in the anaerobic digestion (AD) to improve the yield of methane in a system coupled packed bed reactor with an Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket reactor (UASB) using peels and rotten onion waste. In anaerobic digestion of white onion residues in a single stage (PBR1) presented inhibition due to the accumulation of VFA during the first days, which delay the onset of the methanogenic phase, which occurred 63 days after the start of the experiment. Pretreatment with H2SO4 (PBR2) decreased the start time of the methanogenic pathway, from 63 days to 35. In the same way, the coupling of the UASB reactor to the packed reactor (PBR3) allowed the decrease of the methanogenic step after 14 days, and the total time for this process was 35 days. The yield for PBR1 was 0.013 m3 CH4 kg VSrem−1, for PBR2 0.014 m3 CH4 kg VSrem−1 and PBR3 0.017 m3 CH4 kg VSrem−1. The total yield of PBR3 + UASB was 0.41 m3 CH4 kg VSrem−1.

Temperatura de secagem da casca da cebola para obtenção de chá

Objetivou-se realizar através do processo de secagem convectiva, o reaproveitamento do resíduo da cebola, especificamente a casca, para obtenção do pó, analisando os parâmetros físicos para posterior aplicação como chá. Os pós e chás foram submetidos às caracterizações físicas, químicas e físico-químicas. No tratamento estatístico, empregou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos inteiramente casualizados com 4 tratamentos e 3 repetições, os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e a comparação de médias foi feita pelo teste de Tukey à 5% de probabilidade. A casca da cebola apresenta um maior teor de acidez em ácido pirúvico que as amostras secas (pó). As cascas da cebola apresentam uma luminosidade clara, assim como o chá em ambas as temperaturas, observando assim que a mesma não alterou esse parâmetro nas duas formas (casca e chá). A temperatura interferiu de forma satisfatória na casca para os valores de flavonoides, em contrapartida os valores de antocianinas, clorofilas e carotenoides foram insatisfatórios, para os chás, observou-se que os valores de flavonoides, carotenoides, clorofila e antocianinas tiveram um decréscimo e apresentaram uma variação nos valores com a mudança de temperatura. Por conseguinte, pode-se concluir que o uso de diferentes temperaturas de secagem torna-se inviável, sendo que a elaboração do chá com as cascas in natura proporciona a obtenção de teores mais elevados dos componentes.

Effects of the onion residue compost as an organic fertilizer in a vegetable culture in the Lower Valley of the Rio Negro

PurposeFarming production in the lower part of Río Negro Valley (Argentina) has increased considerably during recent years, causing soil degradation and, specifically, decreasing the organic matter contents. This fact requires recovery measures, as organic amendments for soils, to improve its quality. The marked objectives for the present research is to evaluate compost as organic fertilizer, based on a mix of onion waste and bovine manure.MethodsThe experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, involving five treatments and one control, with ten copies of each one. Tests were performed in a greenhouse, using flowerpots and experimental plots, in a typical soil of the region (Aridisol), pH 8.3 and 2.2% of organic matter, mixed with different compost dosages (20, 40, 60 and 80 Mg ha−1) and the chemical treatment, Urea (0.26 Mg ha−1). A horticultural farming of 1 lettuce was sowed (Lactuca sativa). A conventional handling was carried out for the whole cultivation period, and at the end was harvested. Ten plants per plot were taken and were determined total fresh weight, aerial part fresh weight, root part fresh eight. In the dry controls total dry weight, aerial dry weight and root dry weight was determined.ResultsResults show, with an error (p < 0.05), significant differences in the fresh weight per plant calculated, between treatments and control; a noticeably greater effect can be observed in the treatments with 6 and 8 kg m−2 compost amending and urea treatment. There is no evidence of the existence of significant differences (p < 0.05) between treatments and control, according to the values obtained for root size as well as aerial dry weight and root dry matter.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that the addition of organic fertilizer to soils, has positive effect on the Fresh weight of the plant, recommending the use of doses of 6 kg m−2 while the dose of 8 kg m−2 could replace the use of chemical fertilizers such as Urea.

Composting Onion (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Allium cepa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Wastes with Alfalfa (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Medicago sativa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) and Cattle Manure Assessment

There is growing interest in the potential for using composts in agricultural and horticultural field crops. The aim of this study is to test the mixture efficiency to produce good quality compost. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of recycling organic wastes through composting. In an area of approximately 1500 ha, situated in the lower valley of the Rio Negro (Black River), onions are produced. 50% of these onions are processed under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The packaging for marketing in processing plants has produced huge volumes of wastes that must be managed according to quality standards. These are composed by scales, roots and leaves, with high C/N ratio. In this study the composting process was studied as a way to recycle ecological and cheap onion waste in order to minimize their environmental impact. The onion residues were mixed with alfalfa and cattle manure. An experiment was carried out in order to determine suitable quality compost (organic product high agronomic value). In order to achieve the objectives, composting processes were carried out in two consecutive years. During the process, some physical, chemical and biological properties of the final product were analyzed and evaluated. The mixtures: OMA, onion-manure-alfalfa; OM, onion-manure; OA, onion-alfalfa, showed a similar behavior. The mixtures more efficient were onion-manure and onion-manure-alfalfa with values close to 50%, while onion-alfalfa yielded only 34%. Reuse of onion waste by composting mixed with cattle manure, is a viable alternative in ecological terms. The final compost obtained could be used as amendment in agriculture practices.

Effects of an onion by-product on bioactivity and safety markers in healthy rats

Onions are excellent sources of bioactive compounds including fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and polyphenols. An onion by-product was characterised in order to be developed as a potentially bioactive food ingredient. Our main aim was to investigate whether the potential health and safety effects of this onion by-product were shared by either of two derived fractions, an extract containing the onion FOS and polyphenols and a residue fraction containing mainly cell wall materials. We report here on the effects of feeding these products on markers of potential toxicity, protective enzymes and gut environment in healthy rats. Rats were fed during 4 weeks with a diet containing the products or a control feed balanced in carbohydrate. The onion by-product and the extract caused anaemia as expected in rodents for Allium products. No other toxicity was observed, including genotoxicity. Glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) activities in erythrocytes increased when rats were fed with the onion extract. Hepatic gene expression of Gr, Gpx1, catalase, 5-aminolevulinate synthase and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase was not altered in any group of the onion fed rats. By contrast, gamma-glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit gene expression was upregulated but only in rats given the onion residue. The onion by-products as well as the soluble and insoluble fractions had prebiotic effects as evidenced by decreased pH, increased butyrate production and altered gut microbiota enzyme activities. In conclusion, the onion by-products have no in vivo genotoxicity, may support in vivo antioxidative defence and alter the functionality of the rat gut microbiota.

Efficiency of Gamma Irradiation on Conidial Germination and Mycelial Growth ofBotrytis allii

ABSTRACT Aerial dispersal of inoculum is considered to be an important factor in the epidemiology of many plant diseases. Discarding of untreated onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs infected with the pathogen Botrytis allii Munn (Syn. B. aclada Fres) can increase the inoculum pressure and infect healthy plants in neighboring fields. A technique to suppress fungal development is needed. Doses of gamma radiation from 1 to 5 kGy were tested on the survival these conidia and mycelial development under laboratory conditions. Conidia were placed on water agar after exposure in closed Petri dishes for 24 h. Results showed that germinability of conidia exposed to gamma irradiation was reduced up to 99% at 5kGy, whereas, germinability of conidia that were not exposed did not decrease significantly. Mycelia exposed to gamma radiation had significantly decreased growth of up to 98% at 4 kGy. Gamma irradiation might be exploited in the treatment of infested onion residues to decrease the inoculum load in the environment.

Biological approach for effective utilization of worthless onions—vinegar production and composting

About 10% of all the onions harvested are disposed of or cheaply treated in a market as worthless onions every year in Japan because they failed to meet the quality standards required for marketing to the customer. Therefore, in order to allow both value additions and the effective reuses of worthless onions, a biological approach combining vinegar fermentation and composting was investigated. Onions were pressed in a mechanical juicer and separated to give onion juice (60 wt.%) and onion residues (40 wt.%). The juice was converted to onion vinegar by a two-step fermentation system. Nutritional analysis revealed that the onion vinegar contained the various minerals, amino acids and organic acids, which is expected to be a new valuable product from onions. The onion residues were then utilized as a source of composting, and found to be successfully composted within a week. Based on these investigations, it became possible to establish the scheme so that the worthless onions can be totally recycled as onion vinegar and fertilizer (compost).

Effect of oral ingestion of different fractions of Allium cepa on the blood and erythrocyte membrane lipids and certain membrane-bound enzymes in rats.

The effect of oral ingestion of different fractions of onion (Allium cepa)--extract, residue, and whole--at a dose level equivalent to intake of 50 g of onion per day for a 70-kg man, for 30 days, to male adult, normal, albino rats was studied on blood and erythrocyte membrane lipids and certain membrane-bound enzymes. Onion extract and residue showed hypercholesterolemic effect, while whole onion showed hypocholesterolemic effect in blood. In erythrocyte membranes, all the fractions had hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effect, which was accompanied by changes in the erythrocyte membrane enzymes studied, i.e., alkaline and acid phosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase, total and Mg2+ ATPase. The above study indicated that it is safer to take whole onion rather than onion residue or extract, because whole onion could lower the blood cholesterol level even in normal condition and has a less pronounced effect on the micro-environment of the cells.