Umbel Diameter Research Articles

Impact of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) in Alluvial Regions of West Bengal

An experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons (November, 2018 –April, 2020) at the Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal (741 252), India to assess the impact of different plant growth regulators on the growth, yield, and quality of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). The experiment was designed in Randomized Block Design with a total of 9 treatment combinations that were replicated three times. Fennel seeds were sown during the first week of November in 2.5×1.5 m2 plots with a spacing of 50×30 cm2. Growth regulators were applied at 30, 45, and 60 days after sowing. The results revealed that the application of naphthalene acetic acid @ 100 ppm significantly optimized fennel yield and quality in the alluvial regions of West Bengal. This was evident through various yield and its attributing parameters, including number of umbel plant-1, number of umbellate umbel-1, number of seeds umbellate-1, test weight (g), and seed yield (22.95 q ha-1) as well as quality parameters including total soluble sugar content (2.91 mg 100 mg-1) and volatile oil content (1.448%). Additionally, Kinetin @ 10 parts per million significantly enhanced the total chlorophyll content (0.344 mg g-1), while gibberellic acid positively influenced growth parameters like plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, days to 50% flowering, flower stalk length, and umbel diameter.

Piriformospora indica promotes plant growth, reduces lodging and enhances seed yield, and quality in onion (Allium cepa)

The onion seed crop is affected by several bacterial and fungal rot, which causes lodging, yield, and seed quality losses. In the present study the performance of three biocontrol agents- Piriformospora indica, Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) and Trichoderma viride with fungicide and bactericide as a standard control in reducing lodging and enhancing the seed yield and quality in onion was evaluated. The results showed that among the bioagents, indica recorded the highest bulb germination (98.39%), highest plant stand (87.10%), umbel diameter (5.01 cm), and lowest lodging (27.56%). Whereas VAM recorded the highest plant height (53.53 cm). The performance of P. indica was equivalent to standard chemical control carbendazim for several characteristics and even superior in characteristics like–seed yield (22.60 g/plant) and seed quality traits like–1000-seed weight (3.69 g), and seed vigour index-II (209.76). These results suggest that onion bulb treatment with P. indica is beneficial in reducing pesticide use and lodging, and increasing the productivity and seed quality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of P. indica in onion seed crop. Onion seed crop is pollinated by insects, primarily by honeybees, which are highly susceptible to pesticide applications. Therefore, onion seed bulb treatment with P. indica can be an essential component of integrated crop management in onion seed production for sustainable agriculture.

ONION SEED PRODUCTION AS INFLUENCED BY FOLIAR APPLICATION OF THIOUREA AND PGPRS AT POST-ANTHESIS STAGE

The onion (Allium cepa L.) is a biennial vegetable with regard to seed production. Seed yield is influenced by high temperature at the time of anthesis and seed setting in Punjab. Thiourea (TU) and PGPRS have been used in different crops to induce stress tolerance and to increase the yield. Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of different concentrations of thiourea (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20mM) and different PGPRS (Control, PsJN and FD17) on onion seed production. Thiourea and PGPRS were applied as foliar spray at post-anthesis stage in onion seed crop. Three replications were used under RCBD. In first experiment, maximum values of scape height was 30.367cm in 15mM TU, number of scapes (10.33), thousand seed weight (4.20mg), umbel diameter (5.29mm), weight of seed per umbel (0.34g), seed yield per plant (3.21g), plumule length (7.70cm), radicle length (4.17cm), germination percentage (85.66%), yield of seed per plot (369.85g/ft-2), dry weight (70.70mg) and fresh weight (431.64mg) of seedling in 5mM TU and seed germination duration as 16 days in 15mM of TU. Most of the results were higher in 5mM application of TU. While in second experiment, scape height (29.8cm), umbel diameter (5.29mm) and number of scapes per plant (10.3) were not significantly affected by different treatments yet FD17 showed the best results. Seed yield per plant (3.31g/plant) and yield of seed per plot (296.5g/ft2) were significantly (P<0.00) affected by FD17 treatment. Almost all the results of FD17 were superior to PsJN. In conclusion of this research, overall, the performance of thiourea (especially 5mM) was better as compared to others.

Seseli kurdistanicum (Apiaceae), a new species from Van Province, eastern Turkey

A new species, Seseli kurdistanicum Lyskov and Fırat (Apiaceae), is described from the Van Province, eastern Turkey. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of nrITS/ETS recognized the new species as closely related to Seseli leptocladum from western Armenia. Morphologically, these two species are also closely related. However, S. kurdistanicum differs from S. leptocladum in the petiole length (absent or very short about 0.5 cm versus 3–5 cm), shape of radical leaves (ovate versus oblong), umbel diameter (up to 11 cm with ascending rays versus 2–3 cm with erect rays), number of rays (4–10, usually 6–7 versus 1–6, usually 2–4), and ray length (up to 7 cm, usually 3–5 versus up to 3 cm).

Effect of pollination method on true shallot seed formation improvement

Producing seeds from shallot flower requires proper pollination techniques to form pithy seeds. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of several pollination methods in producing true shallot seeds (TSS). The research was conducted in Cilame Village, Ngamprah District, West Bandung Regency, West Java at an altitude of 900 m asl. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) which consisted of four treatments and six replications. The treatments are pollination methods: control (natural pollination), using a brush, using stroking/bare hand method, and a combination of using a brush and stroking. Pollination treatment was carried out when the flowers have bloomed for three consecutive days. The variables observed were plant height, number of tillers, number of flowers per clump, umbel diameter, number of capsules per umbel, and seed production per umbel. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, and if the results of the F test were significantly different, it was continued with DMRT (Duncan’s Multiple Range Test) and correlation. The result showed that pollination by stroking is the most effective to increasing TSS production per umbel. Seed production per umbel by stroking was 0.89g and control (natural pollination) was 0.23g. Stroking method increased TSS production per umbel by 74.16 % compared to control. Therefore, the method could become an alternative to increase the formation of TSS in overcoming the limitations of natural pollinator.

Morpho-Biochemical characterization of Kalazeera (Bunium persicum Boiss. Fedts) germplasm grown in Global temperate ecologies

The present investigation explores the variability of Bunium persicum populations belonging to different regions. Variability among 74 genotypes for thirty-seven traits (29 quantitative and 8 qualitative) were studied to ascertain the population structure of the Bunium persicum. Among the agro-morphological traits, wide range of variability was recorded in tuber shape, tuber colour, seed shape, seed colour, growth habit, leaf shape, leaf colour, umbel shape, umbel colour, plant height (22.90–96.52 cm), primary branches plant−1 (1–6), umbel diameter of primary umbel (6.17 – 13.67 cm), number of primary umbels plant−1 (1–12), umbels plant−1 (8–40), seed yield per plant (0.55–13.10 g), essential oil content (3.2–9.3 %) etc. Significant and positive association was observed between number of seeds primary-1 umbel (r = 0.91), plant height (r = 0.65), number of seeds primary-1 umbel (0.52), number of seeds primary-1 umbel (0.43), number of seeds secondary-1 umbel (0.38) with number of umblets secondary-1 umbel. Cluster analysis classified the genotypes with different geographical origin into two major clusters and sub-clusters. Cluster-I comprises of 50 genotypes and cluster - II of 24 genotypes while the genotype SRS-KZ-189 from Kargil population was separated as an individual sub-group. Principal component (PC1) and (PC2) harbors accounted 20.2% and 14% of total variation. Variability of Kalazeera genotypes would facilitate the plant breeders to implement and design various crop improvement programme in future.

Agricultural Parameters and Essential Oil Content Composition Prediction of Aniseed, Based on Growing Year, Locality and Fertilization Type-An Artificial Neural Network Approach.

Predicting yield is essential for producers, stakeholders and international interchange demand. The majority of the divergence in yield and essential oil content is associated with environmental aspects, including weather conditions, soil variety and cultivation techniques. Therefore, aniseed production was examined in this study. The categorical input variables for artificial neural network modelling were growing year (two successive growing years), growing locality (three different locations in Vojvodina Province, Serbia) and fertilization type (six different treatments). The output variables were morphological and quality parameters, with agricultural importance such as plant height, umbel diameter, number of umbels, number of seeds per umbel, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plant, plant weight, harvest index, yield per ha, essential oil (EO) yield, germination energy, total germination, EO content, as well as the share of EOs compounds, including limonene, cis-dihydro carvone, methyl chavicol, carvone, cis-anethole, trans-anethole, β-elemene, α-himachalene, trans-β-farnesene, γ-himachalene, trans-muurola-4(14),5-diene, α-zingiberene, β-himachalene, β-bisabolene, trans-pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate and epoxy-pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate. The ANN model predicted agricultural parameters accurately, showing r2 values between 0.555 and 0.918, while r2 values for the forecasting of essential oil content were between 0.379 and 0.908. According to global sensitivity analysis, the fertilization type was a more influential variable to agricultural parameters, while the location site was more influential to essential oils content.

Growing season climate affects phenological development, seed yield and seed quality of dill (Anethum graveolens)

Dill seed production was investigated over two seasons, comprising a spring growing cycle (SGC) and an autumn growing cycle (AGC). The effects of growing cycle on phenological traits, yield and quality of dill seeds formed on different umbels of the mother plant were investigated. Significant differences were noted in the flowering period, seed yield and quality parameters. The SGC resulted in a shorter time from sowing to bolting and flowering initiation compared with the AGC. Plant height, number of umbels/plant, number of umbelets/ umbel, umbel diameter, umbel length and seed weight/plant increased in the AGC. In contrast, decreased germination at 20/30°C and at 13°C, and increased mean germination time at 20/30°C in AGC indicated lower seed quality compared with SGC. Primary umbels produced the best yield and higher quality seeds, followed by the secondary umbels while tertiary umbels gave poor yield and quality seeds in both SGC and AGC. In conclusion, AGC was advisable for higher seed yield, but SGC resulted in higher seed quality compared with the AGC. This highlights the need to select a suitable growing cycle to guarantee high seed yield and quality for each seed production environment.

Effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on yield and quality of onion seed (Allium Cepa L.) C.V. Agrifound light red

The present investigation entitled “Effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, yield and quality of onion seed (Allium cepa L.) C.V. Agrifound Light Red” was carried out at Research area, College of Agriculture, Gwalior during 2020-21. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of four levels of nitrogen (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1) and Phosphorus (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1) laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Result of the study revealed that; N and P had shown a highly significant effect on yield and quality and yield parameters like test weight g, number of seeds per umbel, weight per umbel, seed yield per plot (g) maximum (395.48 g) recorded with N4 120kg/ha + P4 120kg/ha, seed yield per hectare (q) is maximum (9.89 q) found with N4 120kg/ha + P4 120kg/ha and on quality parameters like number of flowers per umbel, umbel diameter in cm, potassium content in leaf (%) is maximum (2.50%) found with N4 120kg/ha + P4 120kg/ha which were significantly superior over the rest of other treatments. This can be recommended for use by potential onion investors or farmers with high initial capital in the gird region of northern Madhya Pradesh

Evaluation of Seed Production and Quality Performance of Onion (Allium Cepa L.) Varieties at Kulumsa in Arsi Zone South East Ethiopia

Field experiment involving five improved onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties and carried out at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center during the 2018 to 2019 cropping seasons under irrigated condition to identify the best performing variety for seed production to the target areas of Arsi Zone. The onion varieties included in the field experiment were (Nafis, Robaf, Nasic Red, Bombe Red, and Adama Red). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters, seed yield, and yield components were studied. The result showed that Variety had a significant effect on most phonological and growth attributes as well as on yield attributes. The number of days to flowering and vigorously were significantly affected by variety; while plant height, days to boolting and branch number was not significantly influenced by variety. Flower stalks height and diameter, number of umbel per plant, and umbel diameter also significantly affected by variety. Seed yield per umbel and mean seed yield per hectare also showed a significance difference among varieties. The highest seed yield per hectare (1415.89 kg/ha) was recorded from Adama Red and followed by Nafis variety, whereas Nasic rerd, Bombe red and Robaf show no significance difference among each other, Therefore, it can be concluded that use of the improved onion varieties such as Adama red and Nafis is advisable and could be appropriate for onion seed production in the test area even though further testing is required to put the recommendation on a strong basis.

Combining ability and gene action of four seed yield contributing characters in onion (Allium cepa L.)

For the improvement of onion seed yield mode of gene action is essential to know. Significant D indicated additive variations were greater in magnitude except umbel diameter and significant H1 indicated dominant variation for scape height and umbel diameter. Significant F indicating the presence of dominant genes only in number of umbel. H­2 component is non-significant for all the characters except scape height. Non-significant h2 suggested dominance effect over all loci in the heterozygous phase was not important for number of umbel, scape height and umbel volume. Ratio [(4DH1) 1/2 + F] / [(4DH1) 1/2 – F] is greater than one for umbel volume indicated presence of an excess of dominant genes in the parents. For all the characters, ratio h2/H2 smaller than one indicated the involvement of at least one group of dominant genes. Parent P4 observed as good general combiner, F1 (P3 ´ P4, P1 ´ P2, P1 ´ P4, P1 × P5 and P1 × P3) and reciprocal crosses (P2 ´ P1, P3 ´ P1 and P4 ´ P1) for different traits recorded as the good specific combiners. So, this parent, F1 and reciprocal crosses need to special consideration for the improvement of onion yield.

Effect of arresting the late formed umbels by growth regulators spray on seed yield and seed quality in onion cv. CO (On) 5 (Allium cepa L.)

The field experiment was carried out to study the effect of growth regulators spray on onion cv. CO (On) 5 seed production. The studies on the influence of foliar spray with growth regulators viz., benzylaminopurine at 60 and 90 ppm, mepiquat chloride at 500 and 750 ppm and brassinosteroid at 0.5 and 1 ppm spray were evaluated for restricting the late formed umbels. The growth regulators were sprayed at the time of flower stalk initiation (35 DAS) and 10 days after first spray. Among the growth regulators, brassinosteroid (1.0 ppm) was found to be effective in restricting the umbel orders at the optimum level of eight and reduced the duration for physiological maturity by 7 days when compared to control and enhanced the yield contributing characters viz., umbel diameter by 7.4%, number of capsules umbel-1 by 28.0%, number of filled capsules umbel-1 by 51.7%, seed set (%) by 11% and seed yield plant-1 by 4.7% over control and reduced the number of ill filled capsules umbel-1 by 7.2% and number of under sized seeds umbel-1 by 26.7% over control. It also improved the seed germination, drymatter production and vigour index by 3.4, 3.6 and 6.8% respectively over control. Hence, foliar spray with brassinosteroid at 1 ppm was found to be effective in restricting umbels orders and improving the seed yield and seed quality in onion.

It Is Not All About Being Sweet: Differences in Floral Traits and Insect Visitation among Hybrid Carrot Cultivars.

Cytoplasmically male-sterile (CMS) carrot cultivars suffer from low pollination rates. In this study, insect visitation varied more than eightfold between 17 CMS carrot cultivars in a field-based cultivar evaluation trial. The visitation rates of honey bees, nectar scarabs, muscoid flies, and wasps each significantly differed among these cultivars. No significant difference in visitation rates was observed among cultivars of different CMS type (brown-anther or petaloid) or flower colour, but cultivars of Berlicumer root type had significantly higher insect visitation rates than Nantes. Six cultivars were further compared in regard to selected umbel traits: as umbel diameter increased, so did the visitation of soldier beetles, while that of honey bees decreased. Finally, nectar of these six cultivars was analysed for sugar content, which revealed monosaccharides to be the most common sugars in all. There was high variation in the levels of sugars from individual umbellets but no significant difference in nectar sugar composition among cultivars, suggesting that nectar sugar composition is of minor importance regarding pollinator attraction to hybrid CMS carrot umbels.

Identification and development of male sterile and their maintainer lines in short-day onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes

The performance of different onion genotypes was assessed for bolting traits because of identification and isolation of male sterile lines, significant results were revealed for number of bolts per plant, bolt length, umbel height, umbel diameter, number of flowers per umbel and number of flowers per plant. The male-sterile plants were spotted among the genotypes, which was phenotypically male sterile, in which flowers had the longer style with the narrow stigmatic knob, does produce functionally non-viable pollens, perianths of the male-sterile flower was not open fully. The anthers were light green to slightly yellowish translucent, shrivelled, seldom empty anther without pollen grains and were fused with anther sacs. The male-sterile plants were confirmed by acetocarmine assay and orf725 molecular marker. The identified male sterile lines will be used as parental material in future heterosis breeding to increase the onion bulb productivity.

Plant structure as a determinant of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed and straw yield

Abstract Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L., Apiaceae) is a Mediterranean aromatic plant that is mainly cultivated for its fruits. Understanding the association between various vegetative and reproductive structures as they pertain to yield can help addressing efforts for achieving the highest productivity levels, by improving both cropping techniques and breeding. Multiple Regression (MR) analysis is a suitable tool to understand this association; notwithstanding, due to the plant’s inherent “weedy” growth, the interpretation of MR results in coriander is often difficult. Therefore, in our analysis we also calculated additional indicators of variable contribution to the model and to one another. We analyzed data (n = 193) obtained from field experiments on coriander carried out in Sicily from 1999 to 2007. Nine plant variables were submitted to different MR approaches, including Path Analysis (PA), Commonality Analysis (CA) and Dominance Analysis (DA). All MR analyses attributed to the number of umbels per plant the highest importance in assessing both seed and straw yield. Additionally, the mass of one umbel proved to be a strong determinant of fruit yield per plant, whereas the umbel diameter was relevant for the assessment of plant straw production. This information will be useful for addressing coriander cropping technique and breeding.

Consequences of sowing dates and umbel pinching on Daucas carota seed production

This research was laid out to examine the effect of sowing dates and umbel pinching on seed production of Daucas carota. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement and replicated three times at Horticulture Nursery of Agriculture University, Peshawar, Pakistan in 2016. Sowing dates (25th October, 9th and 24th November) were assigned to main plot, while umbel pinching levels; secondary + tertiary + quaternary (STQ), primary + tertiary + quaternary (PTQ) and tertiary and quaternary (TQ) umbel pinching were allotted to sub plots. Maximum (p<0.05) days to flowering (111 days), plant height (137.5 cm), days to seed setting (15.6 days), umbel diameter (14.6 cm), days to maturity (151 days), variability in harvest time (34.8 days), seed yield umbel-1 (5.1 g), seed yield plant-1 (34.2 g) and seed yield tha-1 (3.7 t ha-1) were recorded on 25th October sowing date. Umbel pinching had significantly enhanced plant height (136.4cm), umbel diameter (17 cm), and seed yield umbel-1 (5.7 g) by pinching of STQ umbels. While, maximum seed yield plant-1 (46.9 g), seed yield t ha-1 (5 t ha-1) and variability in harvest time (34.1 days) were observed in TQ umbel pinching. Interaction between sowing dates and umbel pinching (S x U) were found significant in case of seed yield umbel-1, seed yield plant-1, seed yield t ha-1 and variability in harvest time. Based on the present findings it is concluded that sowing on 25th October with pinching of TQ umbels is recommended for maximum seed production in carrot. Keywords: Carrot; Seed production; Sowing dates; Umbel pinching; Yield http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80120

Effect of scape regulation on seed yield and quality in onion (Allium cepa)

Flowering plants often produce less seed than the number of flowers they produced. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of the scape regulation on seed yield and quality in onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Pusa Ridhi during rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17, at Unit of Vegetable Research and Demonstration Unit (UVRDC), ICARIndian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Onion plants producing six scapes/plant were selected and thescape numbers were regulated from 1-6/plant. The results from the present experiment reveal that, scape regulation significantly influences the seed quality. The scape length, umbel diameter was significantly higher by 13.36% and 25.65% respectively, in plants up to three scapes/plant, in comparison to plants with six scapes/plant. Highest number of florets/flower was found in plants with one scape/plant, which was 50.47% higher than the plants with six scape/plant. Plants with single scape produced 88.78% more seed yield/umbel in comparison to plants with six scapes/plant. Seed quality parameters like 1000-seed weight, speed of germination, seedling vigour were higher in plants up tofour scapes/plant. Though there was reduction in the overall yield but the reduced yield is likely to be compensated by high seed vigour which may lead to higher filed emergence. It is suggested that during seed production of onion maximum of four scapes may be retained to obtain seeds with high quality.

English

The NP fertilizer or organic resources alone may not provide sufficient amounts or may be unsuitable for alleviating specific constraints to crop production. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at Maitsebri Research Station of Shire-Maitsebri Agricultural Research Center (SMARC) to study the effect of inorganic NP fertilizers and vermicompost on growth, seed yield and yield components of red onion (Allium cepa L.) variety during 2016/17 dry season under irrigation. The treatments consisted of five NP fertilizer rates {0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended NP rates (69 kg N and 92 kg P2O5 ha-1)} and four rates of vermicompost (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 t ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results of the analysis revealed that the interaction effects on inorganic NP fertilizer and vermicompost significantly (P<0.05) affected plant height. Days to bolting, days to 50% flowering, flower stalk diameter and days to maturity were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the main effect of NP fertilizer rates and vermicompost. Similarly, numbers of umbels per plant, umbel diameter, number of seeds per umbel and seed weight per umbel were significantly affected by the main effect of NP fertilizer rates and vermicompost. The highest seed yield per hectare (1462.5 kg ha-1) was obtained from the plants grown at 75% of RDF with vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1 which was about 263% higher than seed yield from unfertilized control plot. It can, thus, be concluded that the combined application of 75% of RDF with vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1can improve growth, seed yield and yield components of Bombay red onion variety in the study area. Key words: Growth, onion, NP fertilizers, parameters, seed yield, vermicompost.

Effect of planting time on growth, yield components, seed yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) at Tehuledere district, northeastern Ethiopia

BackgroundOnion (Allium cepa L.) is member of the family Alliaceae and the most widely grown herbaceous biennial vegetable crop. Quality planting material is one of the major inputs to successful vegetable production. However, it is one of the major constraints in Ethiopia. Northeastern Ethiopia has suitable agro-climatic condition for onion seed production. However, onion seed production packages, including its appropriate planting time, are not yet determined. Evidences on effects of the different planting time on quality and yield level are not well explored. Therefore, this experiment was conducted at Jari small-scale irrigation scheme from September 2015 to April 2016 to determine an appropriate planting time for a better plant growth, yield components, seed yield and quality of Adama red onion variety.MethodsThe experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were nine planting dates: September 1st, September 16th, October 1st, October 16th, October 31st, November 15th, November 30th, December 15th and December 30th. Data were collected on growth, yield components, seed yield and quality parameters and analyzed using SAS version 9.2 statistical software.ResultsAnalysis of variance revealed that plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of scapes per plant, scape diameter, scape height, days to 50% flowering and maturity, umbel diameter, number of seeds per umbel, 1000-seed weight, seed yield and germination percentage were significantly influenced by planting time. The highest seed yield (1032.7 kg/ha) and the highest germination percentage (94.3%) were recorded from bulbs planted early (September 1st). On the other hand, the lowest seed yield (29.7 kg/ha) and germination percentage (15.3%) recorded from bulb planted late (December). The correlation values explain the apparent association of the planting time parameters with each other and clearly indicated the magnitude and directions of the association and relationships.ConclusionThe September 1st is recommended as appropriate planting time for onion seed production at Jari, northeastern Ethiopia.

Foliar spray of mineral nutrients enhanced the growth, seed yield, and quality in onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Pusa Riddhi

ABSTRACTThe present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar spray of mineral nutrients on plant growth, seed yield, and quality attributes in onion cv. Pusa Riddhi at SPU, IARI, New Delhi during rabi 2013–14 and 2014–15. The experiment consisted of 16 treatments comprised of boron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium laid out in a completely randomized block design with two replications. The study revealed that the foliar zinc spray (625 g ha−1) produced higher seed scape height (105.35 cm) along with lower disease incidence (8.50%) than the other treatments. Whereas, higher number of seed scapes plant−1 (11.20) and productive seed scapes plant−1 (8.58) were observed in T10 (500 g ha−1) and combined spray of B + Zn + Ca (T14), respectively. The flowering traits, viz., umbellates umbel−1 (642.45), productive umbellates umbel−1 (579.35), and umbel diameter (7.38cm) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in T15 than other treatments. Similarly, higher seed yield and seed quality attributes were also observed in combined application of all minerals treatment (T15).