Onion Research Articles

Study about Identification of Purple Blotch and Thrips Resistant Lines of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Thirty six elite genotypes were evaluated during the winter season (rabi) 2022-23 at three different environments in 3 replications. RO-1, RO-59, RO-1 × RO-59, RO-1 × Pusa Madhavi, RO-59 × Pusa Madhavi, RO-59 × Kashi No. 1 genotypes had showed thrips population less than 22.90 and highly resistant to thrips infestation. Purple blotch disease, caused by Alternaria porri is the most common devastating disease of onion under field conditions throughout the globe. RO-1, Pusa Shobha, RO-1 × RO-59 and Bhima Kiran × Bhima Shakti were found resistant with a grade scale of 1. The per cent leaf area infection ranged from 1-10 per cent.

Escherichia coli Survival on Dry Bulb Onions Treated with Crop Protection Sprays Prepared using Contaminated Water in the Treasure Valley Growing Region

Contaminated agricultural water has been implicated in produce-associated outbreaks, including dry bulb onions (Allium cepa). This study was designed to quantify risks associated with contaminated water used to prepare crop protection sprays applied immediately before the onset of field curing of dry bulb onions. Laboratory experiments determining the behavior of Salmonella and Escherichia coli in crop protection chemical solutions were performed to guide selection for field use. Field trials were conducted (2022, 2023) in eastern Oregon (Treasure Valley) using two onion cultivars (‘Red Wing’ and ‘Cometa’) inoculated with a rifampicin-resistant E. coli cocktail (3–4 log CFU/100 mL) suspended in fungicide solution or clay suspension, and applied with a backpack sprayer at the end of the growing season. Onions were sampled through the next 4 weeks of field curing and after 1 and 4–5 mos of postharvest storage. In 2022, onions were initially contaminated at a maximum cell density of 48 MPN/onion (Geometric mean (GM): 3.7 MPN/onion). At the end of curing, a single onion (out of 320) tested positive at 2 MPN/onion. In 2022, E. coli was not detected during postharvest storage (n = 160). In 2023, the application of contaminated sprays resulted in a maximum contamination of 275 MPN/onion (GM: 8.6 MPN/onion). At the end of the 2023 curing period, three out of 320 onions (0.9%) had detectable levels of E. coli (1–2 MPN/onion). Three ‘Cometa’ onions from the same plot that were treated with fungicide were positive for E. coli after 5 months of postharvest storage (2, 11, and 83 MPN/onion). These field trials indicate field curing conditions in the Treasure Valley help mitigate risks associated with contaminated water used for applying crop protection sprays. E. coli was detected on a small percentage of onions at low cell density after curing. The single onion with elevated E. coli populations after postharvest storage had internal damage characteristic of bacterial rot.

Genotypic × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Bulb Yield and Yield Attributes in Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Genotypic × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Bulb Yield and Yield Attributes in Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Passivation of metal sulfides by a marine bacterium for acid mine drainage control

Acid mine drainage originates from metal sulfides oxidation, which results in acidic metal-rich leachate. In this study, a novel and environmentally friendly approach was demonstrated to passivate pyrite and lead-zinc tailings, respectively. The key to this approach is to develop biofilms of the marine bacterium Qipengyuania flava S1. Biofilms can induce biomineralization, thereby isolating metal sulfides from air and water. The stability and biological toxicity of the bio-passivation layers were evaluated by leaching bio-passivated pyrite or tailings in initially acidic H2O2 solutions with shaking for 180 days and then cultivating Brassica chinensis and Allium cepa with the leachates. Our results showed that after passivation, the amount of iron released by pyrite decreased by at least 99.2 ± 0.2 (in wt%). For lead-zinc tailings after passivation, the released metal ions (Fe+Al+Pb+Zn) decreased by at least 52.0 ± 3.2 (in wt%). The bio-passivation layers also maintained the pH of the leachate in the range of 7.5–8.0. Before bio-passivation, compared with mineral water, the pyrite leachate significantly inhibited the growth of the two plants, and the tailings leachate significantly inhibited the growth of A. cepa, whereas the bio-passivated pyrite or tailings leachate did not show any inhibitory effect.

Genetic analysis of fertility restoration systems and cytoplasmic types in onion (Allium cepa) genotypes using DNA markers

Genetic analysis of fertility restoration systems and cytoplasmic types in onion (Allium cepa) genotypes using DNA markers

Influence of bio-stimulants and method of application on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L)

Influence of bio-stimulants and method of application on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L)

Physicochemical Characteristics and Stability Assessment of A Topical Formulation Comprising Allium cepa and Quercetin for Cutaneous Scar Management

The 12% Allium cepa extract topical formulation, with proven clinical benefits, targets improved surgical scar appearance. This study aims to comprehensively assess the physicochemical characteristics and stability of a scar-reducing formulation (15% Allium cepa-micellar extract, 0.01% quercetin). In vitro-release and skin permeation studies were conducted, alongside FTIR and DSC analyses to elucidate the skin permeation mechanism. Quercetin remaining at 25 and 40 °C ranged from 99 to 100% (day 60) and 101 to 104% (day 90), while antioxidant activity (53-65%, day 90) remained comparable to the standard quercetin (84.70% at 40 μg/mL). In the context of in vitro quercetin release, the performances were ranked as shallot-micellar extract > scar-reducing formulation plus shallot-micellar extract > scar-reducing formulation, with no significant differences observed (P < 0.05). Importantly, scar-reducing formulation plus shallot-micellar extract and shallot-micellar extract showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) compared to shallot-water extract and the commercial product. The treated skin showed minor changes in the microstructure compared to untreated skin, indicating a gentle formulation, as observed in the FT-IR spectra and DSC thermograms. The findings from skin permeation mechanism studies imply that the scar-reducing formulation may deposit on the skin surface with minor alterations to the skin microstructure. A crucial consideration for future investigations is a long-term stability assessment of at least 12 months at 30°C, following ASEAN guidelines. The scar-reducing formulation was stable at 25°C, without exceeding 40°C for 90 days. Storage at 4°C is not recommended due to the potential risk of decreased solubility and quercetin precipitation.

Revolutionary performance of bio-stimulants and method of application on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L)

Revolutionary performance of bio-stimulants and method of application on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L)

In vitro exploration of phytoextracts against stem rot of white onion (Allium cepa L.) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.

In vitro exploration of phytoextracts against stem rot of white onion (Allium cepa L.) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.

Evaluation of varieties and standardization of planting time on quality and storage attributes in multiplier onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum Don.) under southern Telangana region

Evaluation of varieties and standardization of planting time on quality and storage attributes in multiplier onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum Don.) under southern Telangana region

Development of an Untargeted Method for the Analysis of the Volatile Profile of Onions via Solid-Phase Microextraction Arrow-Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Using Design of Experiments.

The distinctive aroma of onions, consisting primarily of sulfur-containing compounds, is one of the reasons for the popularity of the vegetable. The rapid enzymatic and chemical reactions that occur after the destruction of onion bulb tissue render the analysis of the volatile profile challenging. Therefore, sample preparation is a crucial step in the analysis of the onion volatilome, but it often does not receive the necessary attention in the literature. In this work, we focused on two aspects: Firstly, we compared different sample preparation approaches to maximize the volatile yield and to enable the description of the onion volatile profile as it would emerge after a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Arrow sampling procedure. For headspace (HS)-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, onion juice with the addition of an ammonium sulfate solution proved to be the best option. Secondly, we optimized the HS sampling and desorption parameters (enrichment time, enrichment temperature, agitator speed, desorption time) for onion volatiles using the efficient design of experiments (DoE) approach. The optimal conditions for the analysis with HS-SPME Arrow were an enrichment time of 75min at 60°C with an agitator speed of 713rpm and a desorption time of 120s.

Mushroom against Cancer: Aqueous Extract of Fomitopsis betulina in Fight against Tumors

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the anticancer potential of an aqueous extract of the fungus Fomitopsis betulina. Methods: The study assessed the effect of the extract on nine cancer cell lines, including melanoma (LM-MEL-75), lung cancer (A549), and colorectal cancer (HT29, LoVo), and four normal cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated using MTT, sulforhodamine-B (SRB), and clonogenic viability assays. Additionally, the study examined the effect of the extract on plant model organisms, garden cress (Lepidium sativum) and common onion (Allium cepa), to further investigate its biological activity. Results: The assays demonstrated selective cytotoxicity of the extract toward cancer cells, while sparing normal cells. The extract induced significant cytotoxic effects at lower concentrations in lung cancer, melanoma, and colon cancer cells, showing promise as a potential anticancer agent. The results also revealed that the extract inhibited seed germination and root growth, suggesting its potential to disrupt cell cycles and induce apoptosis. Conclusions: This study highlights the therapeutic potential of F. betulina and highlights the need for further research to identify the active ingredients and mechanisms underlying its anticancer effects.

Development of an Effective Method to Evaluate Resistance of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Cultivars to Fusarium Basal Rot

Fusarium basal rot (FBR), caused by the ascomycete fungus <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i>, is an economically important disease of onion worldwide. The most economical and effective way to manage FBR would be the use of FBR resistant onion cultivars. This study was carried out to develop a rapid screening method for resistant onion cultivars in seedling stage. We used the <i>F. oxysporum</i> 19-385 isolate, which causes damping-off in onion seedlings and basal rot in onion bulbs. We optimized broth incubation and medium composition for the production of inoculum, and determined conidial concentration for the preparation of <i>F. oxysporum</i> infected soil. Ten commercial cultivars of onion were evaluated the seedling survival rates and heights by infected soil inoculation methods. As a result, ‘K-force’ was the most resistant cultivar with 97.4% of relative seedling survival rate against the pathogen, whereas ‘Sunpower’ was the most susceptible cultivar with 20.0% of relative seedling survival rate.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Six Allium Extracts Using Protein-Based Biomimetic Methods.

Medicinal plants are a valuable reservoir of novel pharmacologically active compounds. ROS and free radicals are primary contributors to oxidative stress, a condition associated with the onset of degenerative diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease, and vascular disease. In this study, we used different spectrophotometry methods to demonstrate the antioxidant properties of 6 Allium extracts: Allium fistulosum; Allium ursinum; Allium cepa: Arieș red cultivar of A. cepa, and white variety of A. cepa; Allium sativum; and Allium senescens subsp. montanum. HPLC-MS determined the chemical composition of the extracts. Among the tested extracts, the Arieș red cultivar of A. cepa stands out as having the best antioxidant activity, probably due to the high content of polyphenols and alliin (12.67 µg/mL and 3565 ng/mL, respectively). The results obtained in this study show that Allium extracts have antioxidant activity, but also free radical scavenging capabilities. Also, their interactions with cytochrome c and hemoglobin can be the basis of future studies to create treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases.

Toxicity assessment of powdered laundry detergents: an in vivo approach with a plant-based bioassay.

Powdered laundry detergents, encompassing a diverse blend of organic and inorganic compounds, are crucial in efficiently removing dirt in household cleaning. This study investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of commonly used powdered laundry detergents in Sri Lanka using the Allium cepa bioassay. Five detergents (four branded A, B, C, and D, and one non-branded E) were selected for assessment. Toxicity evaluations were conducted across a range of predetermined aqueous detergent concentrations (0-2500mg/L) using the A. cepa bioassay, with all experiments being triplicated and following standard protocols. Exposure to detergent concentrations up to 500mg/L resulted in mitosis suppression, nuclear aberrations, and chromosomal abnormalities in A. cepa, indicating concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Condensed nuclei were notably prevalent among nuclear abnormalities, while vagrant chromosomes and chromosomal adherence were the most frequent chromosomal aberrations observed. At higher concentrations (> 500mg/L), the selected detergents induced necrotic cell death in A. cepa root meristematic cells. This study warns to avoid the unnecessary use of detergents as they cause significant ecological risks and advocates for further research to comprehensively assess detergent toxicity across diverse organisms within ecosystems to safeguard ecosystem health effectively.

The Allium cepa comet assay for environmental sample assessment: a scoping review.

The purposes of this review were to investigate the application of the comet assay in Allium cepa root cells to assess the genotoxicity of environmental samples and to analyse the experimental procedures employed. A literature search was performed selecting articles published between January 2000 and October 2023 from online databases using the combined search terms 'comet assay' and 'A. cepa'. Only 18 papers met the inclusion criteria. None of these were published in the first eight years (2000-2007), highlighting the increasing interest in using the comet assay on A. cepa to analyse environmental samples over the last decade. The majority of the selected studies (15/18, 83%) were performed on samples belonging to the water compartment on onion bulbs. Half of the selected studies (9/18) were conducted to demonstrate the DNA damaging effect of the sample, while the other half of the studies not only recognized the presence of genotoxic agents but also addressed possible remediation measures. Detailed analysis of the experimental procedures revealed heterogeneity in many key steps, such as exposure time, test controls, nuclei isolation solutions, duration of electrophoresis, and number of nuclei scored. This literature review has shown that the comet assay on A. cepa, although recognized as an appropriate tool, is underutilized in environmental toxicology. Greater standardization could lead to its more widespread use, providing valuable information on the genotoxicity of environmental samples and the ability of different processes to mitigate their negative effects on plants.

Evaluating the removal of the tetra-azo dye direct black-22 in Chlorella vulgaris closed-cultivation systems

ABSTRACT The removal of the tetra-azo dye Direct Black 22 (DB22) using the microalga Chlorella vulgaris was evaluated in the present study, aiming to understand the contribution of different processes (biodegradation, photodegradation, and adsorption) in the removal of this contaminant. The growth and morphological characteristics of C. vulgaris were not affected by the presence of the dye in the reaction medium. The efficiency of dye removal was 62.6 ± 1.46%, 47.7 ± 7.2% of which was attributed to photodegradation, while 13.2 ± 6.5% were associated with the contribution of the microalga by an enzymatic route and 1.7 ± 9.6% with an adsorption process. Additionally, tests with the organism Allium cepa as a bioindicator revealed that DB22 and its byproducts did not induce toxicity, but cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were induced. We observed that genotoxicity was reduced after the remediation process. Our results establish photodegradation as the primary mechanism and biodegradation as the secondary mechanism driving the removal of DB22 within a Chlorella culture. Researchers must carefully consider all aspects involved in the removal process, including photodegradation, biodegradation, and adsorption processes.

Toxicological assessment of reactive blue 19 dye aqueous solutions under UV-LED light

Abstract The dye-contaminated industrial effluent causes serious health issues when it gets mixed with underground water without primary treatment. The current project was designed to treat reactive blue-19 dye aqueous solutions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) under UV-LED light. The characterization of the photocatalyst was carried out via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for structure, purity, and surface study. The effect of various factors such as pH, TiO2 dose, UV-LED light exposure time, H2O2, and dye concentration, on the degradation rate and cytotoxicity reduction was evaluated and optimized through the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The maximum degradation of dye solution and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction was achieved at 98.81 and 86.22 %, respectively for 50 ppm solution, using UV-LED/H2O2(3 %)/TiO2(6 g/L) hybrid process. The toxicity evaluation through the Allium cepa test demonstrated a 62.40, 65.2, and 56.97 % increase in root length (RL), root count (RC), and mitotic index (MI), respectively, following treatment with the UV-LED/H₂O₂/TiO₂ combined process for 150 min. The hemolytic and brine shrimp tests revealed a reduction in toxicity up to 92.18 and 84.08 %, respectively, after applying the same treatment. Additionally, the Ames test indicated up to 80.94 % reduction in mutagenicity for TA98 and an 84.04 % reduction for TA100 strain when dye samples were treated with UV-LED light in the presence of H₂O₂ and TiO₂ for 150 min. The findings suggested that UV-LED light in conjunction with H2O2 and TiO2 can be a useful tool for the degradation and detoxification of toxic pollutants found in textile wastewater.

Comparison of Two Storage Techniques on the Nutritional Composition of Onion Bulbs

Comparison of Two Storage Techniques on the Nutritional Composition of Onion Bulbs

Eco(geno)toxicity of an acaricidal formulation containing chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and fenthion on different plant models and Artemia salina L.

The mixture of pesticides is widely employed in cattle farming to combat ectoparasite resistance, such as ticks. The commercial formulation COLOSSO FC30, which contains three active ingredients (Cypermethrin, Chlorpyrifos, and Fenthion), stands out due to its efficiency. However, animals exposed to this product may become vectors of potentially toxic molecules, possibly causing contamination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In light of this, this study evaluated the eco(geno)toxic potential of the commercial formulation COLOSSO FC30, using plants (Allium cepa L., Lactuca sativa L., Raphanus sativus L., Pennisetum glaucum L., and Triticum aestivum L.) and Artemia salina L. as model organisms. In the phytotoxicity test, the species were ranked in order of sensitivity to the commercial formulation as follows: P. glaucum > L. sativa > T. aestivum > R. sativus. The most sensitive parameters were root length (RL) and shoot length (SL) of seedlings. In the cytogenotoxicity test with A. cepa, cell division was decreased at concentrations from 0.351mL L-1 in the meristematic region and root F1. Chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus were observed at all concentrations. In the test with A. salina, the IC50 after 24h of exposure was 0.01207mL L-1 of the commercial formulation. The results highlight the need for further research and regulations to understand and minimize the potential environmental impacts of COLOSSO FC30.