Onion Varieties Research Articles

The Knowledge of Improved Onion Production Practices of Farmers in Gaya, District in Bihar

A study was conducted in Gaya District of Bihar during the 2022-23 period to assess the level of knowledge among farmers regarding improved onion production practices. The study selected a total of 120 respondents from five villages within the Bodhgaya block, based on the high concentration of onion growers in the district. The data was collected through personnel interviews using a pre-structured interview schedule and subsequently analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents (62.5%) belonged to the middle age range, and 43.33% of them had marginal land holdings. Most respondents had a moderate level of extension contact, scientific orientation, risk orientation, and economic motivation. Additionally, 64.17% of the respondents exhibited a medium level of knowledge regarding onion production practices. The respondents displayed a good understanding of topics such as soil types, ploughing, farmyard manure (FYM) application, onion varieties, seed treatment, sowing time, nursery transplanting, seed rate, weeding and hoeing, and the suitable season for growing and harvesting onions. However, they had relatively less knowledge about seed treatment and nursery transplanting. Furthermore, factors such as age, educational qualifications, family size, housing patterns, land holdings, annual income, extension contact, source of information, scientific orientation, economic motivation, and risk-bearing capacity showed positive and significant correlations with the knowledge levels of onion growers. In summary, the study demonstrated that farmers in the Gaya District of Bihar had varying levels of knowledge regarding improved onion production practices. While they possessed a good understanding of certain aspects, there were areas where their knowledge could be further enhanced.

Effect of Purple Blotch Farm Management Practices on Onion Production in Uganda

Onion is one of the most important commercial vegetable crops grown intensively in the world. Purple blotch found in all the growing regions is the most destructive of all onion diseases. Detailed studies on the disease's management practices had not been conducted in Uganda. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of purple blotch disease management practices on onion production. Kabale, Kasese, and Mbale regions were identified as the major onion-growing regions. Five farms/onion varieties/regions were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 52 farm owners who were interviewed. The results revealed the majority were small-scale peasant farmers with mean acreage of 0.64-1.94, which varied significantly p=.000, and Kasese had the highest. Eight onion varieties were recorded: Bombay red, Hazera, Hybrid, Malbec, Red coach, Red creole, S-Zee and Tanzania, with Red creole grown in all the regions. Kabale registered the highest number of farms (40.3%), Kasese district (25.0%), the highest mean production of 6,329.9 kg/season, and Namisindwa (21.1%) the second. The main source of seed was Agro input dealers. The use of artificial fertiliser was highest in Mbale (72.7%) and lowest in Kasese (50%), though it did not vary p>.05 significantly. Only farmers in Kabale and Kasese had access to credit facilities, agricultural extension workers and farmers' groups, with Kasese in the lead. Onion purple blotch disease and thrips were the main problem in all the regions and were controlled using chemicals: 100%, 90.9% and 88.3% in Mbale, Kabale, and Kasese, respectively. Weeding of farms was lowest in Mbale (mean = 3.88) and highest in Kasese (4 .84). In conclusion, growing the right onion variety, farmer groups, access to credit facilities, and genuine farm inputs are necessary for a sustainable onion agribusiness in Uganda

Performance on yield and economics of Kharif onion varieties under Malwa Plateau condition of M. P.

Performance on yield and economics of Kharif onion varieties under Malwa Plateau condition of M. P.

Participatory variety evaluation and selection of improved onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties for bulb yield under supplementary irrigation condition at Basketo Special District, Southern Ethiopia

Onion is one of the most important vegetables and high economic crops, but grown by a few small-scale farmers in Basketo special district (woreda). Likewise, productivity of the crop in the district is very low. Lack of improved onion varieties and the use of inappropriate agronomic practices are among the major factors that limit the productivity of onions in the study area. Hence, this study was conducted at Basketo special woreda in 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons under supplementary irrigation to evaluate adaptability and to select high yielding onion varieties using farmers’ selection criteria. The experiment consisted of five improved onion varieties, namely; Adama red, Bombay red, Nafis, Adama Red, Robaf and Nasik Red and arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications. The results revealed that onion varieties exhibited differential performance in the two cropping seasons in the study area. Accordingly, Nasik red variety gave the highest bulb weight, marketable and total bulb yield (13.23 and 1.75 t/ha) and took a short period for bulb maturity compared to other onion varieties in the two cropping seasons. On the other hand, variety Bombay red produced 11.7 and 11.3 t/ha during the year. However, variety ‘Nafis’ was also selected by the farmers through their criteria. Therefore, onion varieties Nasik red (129.9Q/ha) and Nafis (106.1 Q/ha) are selected and recommended for the onion growers in the study area for better bulb yield.

Yield and Yield Components of Onion as Influenced by Intra-Row Spacing and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels in Rift Valley, Ethiopia

Background and Objectives: Farmers currently employ nationally approved fertilizer rates and plant spacing when growing onions, but knowledge of plant population density and fertilizer rates that may produce the best bulb production for different cultivars and locations is limited. As a result, gardeners frequently use nonspecific plant population densities for various cultivars, resulting in sub-optimal bulb yields.
 Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted in 2019 from August to December to study the effects of intra-row plant spacing and levels of nitrogen on yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Nafis under irrigation.
 Results: The main effect of intra-row spacing on stand count and both nitrogen levels and intra-row spacing on plant height and the number of leaves per plant was observed. The interaction of nitrogen level and intra-row distance affected days to maturity, leaf length, leaf diameter, bulb diameter, mean bulb weight, marketable and unmarketable bulb yield, and all bulb size categories. Increased intra-row spacing to 10.5 cm and N rate of 82 kg ha-1 increased marketable and total bulb yield by approximately 3.14 and 3.21 t ha-1, respectively, spacing and decreased unmarketable bulb yield by 1.38 t ha-1.
 Conclusion: The use of 82 kg ha-1 N at the intra-row spacing of 10.5 cm was optimum for bulb production of onions. 82 kg ha-1 N at 10.5 cm intra-row spacing resulted in the highest net benefit.

Application of fluorescence spectroscopy for analysis of different onion varieties during storage in storehouse

The present study aimed to establish the application of fluorescence spectroscopy for a comparison of three onion genotypes after harvest and at certain intervals of storage period. The genotypes were stored in a storehouse under ambient conditions. This will allow the method to be applied as non-invasive in quality control of onion production during storage. The experimental studies were performed with sixty-three accessions (21 after three months of storage, 21 after 6 months of storage and 21 after 9 months of storage). The equipment for emission fluorescence spectra generation is mobile and has applicability in local characteristics of the production. In its adjustment (optical tuning) a systematic engineering approach based on the classical principles of modern optoelectronics is applied. The results of the experiment will contribute to the optimization of the time for analysis of onion genotypes and will support the breeding process in its initial stages when it is necessary to qualify a large set of samples.

Evaluation of fusariosis resistance in commercial onion varieties in Burkina Faso

Fusarium head blight is a serious fungal disease that affects various crops, including onions, in many parts of the world, including Burkina Faso. Onion varieties that have been identified as efficient in other areas may not necessarily perform well in Burkina Faso, given the particular environmental and agronomic conditions of the region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify onion varieties that demonstrate resistance or tolerance to Fusarium head blight, as well as yield high harvests, in the specific soil and climate conditions of Burkina Faso. To achieve this, seven onion varieties were evaluated during the dry season in Tabtenga, located in the commune of Loumbila. The incidence rates and the severity of Fusarium head blight were assessed at 35 and 75 days after transplanting. The results indicated that the varieties Noflaye, Prema 178, Rouge de Tana, and Super Yali displayed the lowest incidence of Fusarium head blight. However, the severity of the disease was not statistically different across all the varieties tested. Bulb yields ranged from 11.50 to 20.75 tons per hectare. This study is the first to provide data on the resistance of onion varieties to Fusarium head blight in the central agro-ecological zone of Burkina Faso. These findings suggest that the identified varieties may hold promise for sustainable onion production in the region. However, to confirm the results, multi-local trials should be conducted across both dry and rainy seasons.

Comparison of Onion Bulb Characteristics and Bioactive Compounds of Different Onion Varieties Cultivated in Reclaimed Land

Comparison of Onion Bulb Characteristics and Bioactive Compounds of Different Onion Varieties Cultivated in Reclaimed Land

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

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

Assessment of Storage Potential of Onion Varieties Using Variables Extracted from a Mathematical Model 4-Parameter Hill Function (4-PHF)

Onion seeds are prone to rapid germination and viability losses under unfavourable storage conditions. The final germination percentage is considered the most important parameter for determining the performance of seed lots after storage, although other quantitative traits, such as the time and speed of germination, help in more realistic predictions of seed germination. A study was conducted on seventeen seed lots of onion seeds to delineate the most comprehensive parameter indicating seed performance after storage using the four-parameter Hill function (4-PHF) mathematical model. Seeds of seventeen onion cultivars were subjected to accelerated ageing at 42 °C and 100% RH for 48, 96 and 144 h, followed by seed germination evaluation. The germination performance was evaluated by 4-PHF based on time-related parameters, such as the time to maximum germination rate (TMGR), time to 50% germination (T50), and uniformity (U), along with the germination percentage (a), shape and steepness of the Four-Parameter Hill Function (FPHF) curve (b), which were important determinants of the area under curve (AUC), and RoG (rate of germination) curves. Among the parameters, the AUC was found to provide the most comprehensive evaluation of the storage performance of the onion varieties and was decisive in the classification of the varieties as ‘good’ or ‘poor’ storers. A positive correlation between seed vigour index-I (SVI-I) and the AUC reiterated the suitability of using 4-PHF parameters for the assessment of the storage potential of onion varieties.

Study of the Effects of Cailcedrat (Khaya senegalensis) on Late Blight, the Main Onion Disease (Allium cepa L.) in the Department of Diamare, Far North, Cameroon

Objective: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable crop with an important economic asset for Cameroonian farmers. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of different formulations of K. senegalensis on late blight, the main onion disease in the department of Diamaré, (Far North, Cameroon).
 Methodology and Results: For this purpose, an experimental split-splot device consisting of three blocks (repeats), comprising three varieties (Chagari, Goudami and Blanc de galmi) of onion and eight treatments (TtN, Ttp, THK1, THK2, TEFK1, TEFK2, TEEK1 and TEEK2) was used in two study sites (Gayak and Wouro-Mayo) and during two agricultural seasons (2020 and 2021). After data collection and analysis, the results obtained show that the mean value of the highest incidence was obtained with Ttn treatment (34.44) in Gayak in 2020, and the lowest value was obtained with THK2 (0.00) in Wouro-Mayo. In 2021, the highest mean value was recorded in Gayak with TtN (32.03) and the lowest incidence is observed with TEEK2 (0.37) in Wouro-Mayo. Moreover, the highest severity was obtained with TtN (17.58) in Wouro-Mayo in 2020, and the lowest with THK2 (0.00) at the same site. In 2021, the lowest severity was observed with THK2 (0.18) in Gayak and the highest with TtN (14.90) in Gayak. The highest yields were recorded with THK2 (160.27 t/ha) at Wouro-Mayo in 2020 and THK2 (169.46 t/ha) in 2021 at the same study site. On the other hand, the lowest yields were obtained in Gayak with TtN (79.6 t/ha) in 2020 and in 2021 with TtN (92.26 t/ha) at the same site.
 Conclusion and Application of Findings: The oil and aqueous extracts of Khaya senegalensis bark could therefore constitute an alternative to synthetic pesticides in the context of integrated onion disease management.

Effectiveness of NPK Fermentation From Various Types of Plant Waste on the Growth and Production of Several Red Onion Varieties

Shallot is a horticultural commodity that has good market prospects because it contains high nutrition and can be used as spices and ingredients for traditional medicine. However, shallot production in Indonesia still often fluctuates and even experiences a shortage in meeting the needs of domestic consumers. To increase shallot production, this can be done through intensification efforts, namely by improving cultivation techniques, such as the use of organic fertilizers, proper fertilization, and the use of superior varieties. This study used a factorial randomized block design consisting of 2 treatment factors, namely factor I, fermented NPK ( F) consisting of 0 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml and 750 ml. Factor II was the variety (V) of the Brebes Bima variety, the Probolinggo variety and the Nganjuk variety. The parameters of plant observation were: plant height (cm) and production per plot (g). The data analysis method was a factorial randomized block design (RBD). The results showed that the application of fermented NPK and the use of varieties had a very significant effect on the parameters of plant height (cm) and production per plot (g).

Agronomic, Physiological, Genetic and Phytochemical Characteristics of Onion Varieties Influenced by Daylength Requirements

The evaluation of A. cepa biodiversity provides onion breeders with great prospects to obtain plants with high resistance to environmental factors, remarkable yield, and product quality. Genetic diversity assessment of a collection of nine short- and long-day onion landraces and varieties originated from different Iranian regions, using ISSR markers and UPGMA dendrograms, was carried out for the first time. Short-day landraces (Sarze, Sarkoreh, and Kerman) originated from low latitude and short-day hybrids (Mirela and Soberana) demonstrated high genetic similarity, in terms of physiological responses to day length and temperature during the crop cycle and bulbing stage initiation. Contrarily, high latitude landraces (Azarshahr, White Gorgan, Kurdistan, and Esfahan) showed low biometrical, agronomic and genetic similarity with commercial short-day onions. Specific differences in morphological reactions between these two groups displayed diverse responses of plants to day length and temperature. Long- and short-day cultivars displayed significant differences in the dynamics of leaf and scale number, leaf and root length, dry and fresh weight, and bulbing ratio and bulb diameter, which were in accordance with ISSR data. The local landraces Azarshahr, Kurdistan, and Esfahan had high antioxidant status, suggesting high prospects for their utilization as an alternative to foreign F1 hybrid varieties.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Various Varieties on Seedling Growth of Late Kharif Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Assam

Experiments were conducted on sandy loam soil of Horticulture Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam during 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment was conducted on “The effect of different sowing dates and various varieties on seedling growth of late kharif onion (Allium cepa L.) in Assam.” Fifteen treatment combinations comprising of five onion varieties viz., Arka Kalyan, Bhima Dark Red, Agrifound Dark Red, Bhima Super and Bhima Red and three dates of sowing viz., 25th August, 5th September and 15th September were tested in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. At the nursery stage, on the basis of pooled data, the relationship of different growth characters with various varieties and different dates of sowing revealed that variety Bhima Super sowing on 25th August (D1V4) was the best in the number of leaves (3.77), fresh weight of seedling (344.16 mg) and dry weight of seedlings (58.85 mg) at 40 days of sowing. Number of leaves per plant 25, 30 and 35 days after sowing were not affected by combination of various varieties and different dates of sowing.

EFFECT OF BULB SIZES AND VARIETIES ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF ONION SEEDS

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important spice and vegetable crops under the family Alliaceae. Size of mother bulbs influenced the yield and quality of seeds. Yield of onion seed crop increases with the dimensional increase in bulb size. The study was conducted at Natore District from November 2014 to April 2016 to study the effect of bulb sizes and varieties on growth, yield and quality of onion seed production. This experiment comprised of two factors namely, three sizes of mother bulb viz., large size (21-30g), medium size (11-20g), small size (5-10g) and five onion varieties viz., the Taherpuri, the Jhitka, the BARI Piaz-1, the BARI Piaz-2 and the BARI Piaz-4 and followed RCBD with three replications. In this experiment, it was found that there were highly significant variations in all the parameters due to the effect of bulb sizes. The largest sized bulb (21-30 g) produced the highest values of all studied parameters. In case of different varieties, the highest values of all parameters were found from the BARI Piaz-4, while the lowest results were found from the Jhitka. The combined effect of bulb sizes and variety found highly significant on all the parameter studied. The BARI Piaz-4 with large sized bulb (21-30g) produced the highest values while lowest results were recorded from the treatment combinations of small sized bulb (5-10g) with the Jhitka. It is recommended to use large bulb size (21-30g) with the BARI Piaz-4 in the research area for confirmation.

Breeding and Agro Morphological Performances of Onion Varieties in Rainy Season in Côte d'Ivoire

Breeding and Agro Morphological Performances of Onion Varieties in Rainy Season in Côte d'Ivoire

Combined efficacy of bio-pesticides and fungicides on stemphylium blight disease of onion (Allium cepa)

A field trial was conducted at Regional Research Station, NHRDF, Nashik in three consecutive years during Kharif 2016, 2017 and 2018 on onion variety Agrifound Dark Red for the management of stemphylium blight disease of onion through soil application of bio-pesticide and sequential spray of different fungicides. The pooled result showed that, significantly minimum stemphylium blight incidence (52.22%) with intensity (4.0%) and highest gross yield (218.51 q/ha) with marketable (174.94 q/ha) as well as highest benefit cost ratio (7.83:1) were recorded in the treatment Soil application of Arka Microbial Consortia @ 12.50 kg/ha followed by sequential sprays of Propiconazole @ 0.1% at 25 DAT, Hexaconazole @ 0.1% at 50 DAT and Tricyclazole @ 0.1% at 75 DAT

Technologies of cultivation of red onion varieties

Red onion varieties are among the richest sources of food flavonoids derived from quercinus. This study presents material on agrotechnological evaluation of red onion samples. Field experiments were carried out on typical light chestnut soils of the right-bank part of the Lower Volga in the zone of a sharply continental climate with a drip irrigation method. 9 samples of onion of red color of integumentary scales of selection BEJO ZADEN B.V., NETHERLANDS (4 samples) were studied: Red Bull F1, Red Baron F1, Red Ram F1, Robin F1; NUNHEMS B.V., NETHERLANDS (3 samples): NUN 9003 F1 (Merenge), Countach F1, NUN 9005 F1; HAZERA SEEDS, ISRAEL (1 sample): Retano F1; ENZA ZADEN, NETHERLANDS (1 sample): Monastrell F1. The samples were studied according to: characteristics of bulb coloration, morphometric parameters of the bulb, yield and ripeness.

Impacts of Varying Nitrogen Levels on Leaf length of Onion Varieties under Poplar Based Agroforestry System

Agroforestry systems play a vital role in increasing the production of the crops that help to improve the financial status of the farmer. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with three replications and 12 treatments with and without a combination of three onion varieties and different levels of nitrogen fertilizer. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments, viz. V1 + N 0 kg, V1 + N 40 kg, V1 + N 80 kg, V1 + N 120 kg, V2 + N 0 kg, V2 + N 40 kg, V2 + N 80 kg, V2 + N 120 kg, V3 + N 0 kg, V3 + N 40 kg, V3 + N 80 kg, and V3 + N 120 kg. The results revealed that leaf length was found superior at a 120 kg N/h fertilizer level (V1 + N 120 kg) in the onion variety Nasik Red. The onion variety Nasik Red was determined to be the best variety, and 120 kg N ha -1 was determined to be the optimum dose for achieving maximum onion leaf length in a poplar-based agroforestry system.

Growth and bulb yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties as influenced by NPS fertilizer in Western Ethiopia

Onion is main crops in Ethiopian regular nutrition, cultivated year round under rain-fed and irrigated conditions. The low productivity of onion crops in Ethiopia as compared to other onion producing countries was due to disease, insect pest, lack of improved varieties, lower use of improved varieties and improper agronomic practices. A field experiment was conducted at Dambi Dollo University, Ethiopia for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) under rain-fed to evaluate effect of NPS fertilizer rates on performance of onion varieties. The experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications in factorial mixture of four levels of NPS fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) and three varieties (Adam Red, Monarch and Nafis). Variance Analysis indicated that NPS fertilizer and varieties were expressively affected days to 90% physiological maturity, marketable and unmarketable yield and total bulb yield of onion crop but not significantly influenced by their interaction. The number of leaves per plant and plant height were significantly influenced by main effect of varieties, NPS fertilizer rates and their interaction. The highest values for number of leaves per plant (16.08) recorded at 150 kg ha-1 for Monarch variety. Moreover, days to 90% physiological maturity (134.8 days) and total bulb yield (29.35 t ha-1) were recorded from the highestNPS application rate of 200 kg ha-1. Similarly, the maximum plant height (16.08 cm) and marketable onion bulb yield (26.41 t ha-1) were obtained from 150 kg ha-1 NPS rate. Hence, based the highest marketable onion bulb yield gained, Nafis variety of onion and 150 kg ha-1 of NPS fertilizer should be advised for production in the western part of Oromia, Ethiopia and other areas with similar agro-ecological conditions.