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Shallot is a perennial crop that is grown as an annual to harvest bulb seeds and produced widely in Vietnam. This is an easy-to-grow crop, suitable for land conditions in the local area and brings high economic efficiency. Although shallot is a relatively new crop to the farmers in Tra Vinh province, it is considered one of the key crops in the agricultural development strategy of the province. This study was conducted to assess the efficiency of shallot farming in Tra Vinh province using data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. The findings revealed that the average cost efficiency was 0.770 and only five farms (2.5%) were fully cost-efficient. The score for average allocative efficiency was slightly superior to that for technical efficiency (0.917 and 0.838); thus, inefficient shallot farms could reach higher cost efficiency by increasing technical efficiency. Accordingly, factors influencing technical and cost efficiency in shallot production were determined in this study. Household size and cultivation experience of the farmers demonstrated negative effects on the levels of technical and cost efficiency. The analysis further revealed that those shallot farmers who had larger shallot farm sizes and those who had better access to technical training tended to be more technical and cost-efficient. Consequently, this study suggests that research to improve shallot-farming techniques should be prioritised support and the quality of technical training programmes for local farmers needs to be raised to increase the technical and cost efficiency in shallot production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Strip cultivation is one of the effective methods to reduce the population of pests and increase the abundance and diversity of natural enemies in any habitat. Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lind., is a pest of onion (Allium cepa L.) worldwide. Larvae and adults of thrips feed on cell sap and cause silver spots on the surface of leaves of onion plants that consequently result in a significant reduction in onion yield. Control of onion thrips is difficult due to the short generation time, high fecundity, and the emergence of insecticide-resistant genotypes. Predators in each region, such as hemipterans, ladybugs, syrphid flies, carabid beetles, mites, and spiders, are effective in the biological control of the onion thrips population in fields. Intercropping systems can affect the biological control of pests by providing food and habitat resources for natural enemies. Therefore, designing effective and appropriate methods to reduce the population of onion thrips and increase the diversity and abundance of natural enemies can effectively manage T. tabaci in fields. Materials and Methods In this study, the effect of intercropping four rows of onion (Allium cepa L.) with two rows of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) (4O:2F) and four rows of onion with two rows of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) (4O:4S) was investigated on densities of the onion thrips, biodiversity of predators, and crop yields in 2022 and 2023. The experiments were accomplished in a randomized complete block design with two intercrops of 4O:2F and 4O:4S along with the sole crops. The density of onion thrips and predators per plant was counted and recorded on weakly sampling dates by direct counting using a magnifying glass. The predatory species that we suspected in their identification were transferred to the laboratory and carefully identified through morphological characteristics under a stereomicroscope. The average annual abundance of each predator species and the abundance of predators per plant in each plot were calculated during the onion growing season. In addition, Shannon's diversity index (H') and Pielou's evenness index (J') were calculated for the complexity of predators in each plot and in each tested year to compare the cropping systems. The onion, fenugreek, and safflower yield per square meter were estimated in strip intercropping systems and single crops. Then, the land equality ratio (LER) was calculated for both intercrops to estimate the yield advantage regarding the monoculture of each crop. Results Three intercrops led to a significant reduction in the densities of larvae and adults of onion thrips compared with sole onion. Further, the leaf damage index was lower in intercrops than in single onion in two seasons. A significant coefficient of determination (R2) was calculated between the leaf damage index and the dry weight of onion per plant in two intercrop and sole onions. The total abundance of predators was higher in intercrops, especially 4O:2F than in the sole crop. More values of the Shannon diversity index and the Pielou's evenness index for predators were recorded in intercrops compared with the sole crop in two seasons. The dry yield of onions per square meter was more significant in both strip intercropping systems compared to single onions in 2022 and 2023. On the contrary, the dry yield of fenugreek and safflower per square meter was insignificant among intercrops and single crops in two years. The highest land equivalent ratio (LER) was calculated for 4O:2F. Discussion Overall, the intercropping of onion and fenugreek (4O:2F) and onion and safflower (4O:2S) demonstrated a reduction in the population of onion thrips. Both intercrops, particularly 4O:2F, contributed to an increase in the abundance and diversity of predators and the values of LER when compared with sole crops. As a result, farmers could consider implementing both intercrops, particularly 4O:2F, as an environmentally conscious approach to managing T. tabaci in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was conducted in the research farm of Takhar University, Afghanistan. The study was carried out in 2021, to document the Effect of Nitrogen and Plant spacing on the Growth and Yield of Onion and it is one of the essential bulbous vegetables. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design having three replications were used. Four different doses of nitrogenous fertilizer namely 0, 100, 125, and 150 kg/ha were applied. The treatments also included three levels of spacing (S) viz., S1= 7.5 cm x 15 cm, S2= 10 cm x 15 cm, and S3= 12.5 cm x 15 cm. These treatments were implemented using a split-plot design. As a result, the spacing had a significant effect on biomass and marketable yields, and the spacing of 7.5 cmx15 cm resulted in the maximum marketable yield of 31.24 t/ha likely due to a higher plant population. Various nitrogen doses as well as affected plant characteristics and yield. The maximum biomass yield of 62.52 t/ha was recorded with 150 kg nitrogen/ha. Whereas the highest marketable yield 38.62 t/ha was observed with 125 kg nitrogen/ha. In conclusion, spacing and different nitrogen concentrations had significant impacts on plant characteristics and yield. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing spacing and nitrogen doses to maximize crop yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is the main nutrient required by plants for growth. The production of onions (Allium cepa) results in low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) as nitrogen is applied when it is not required by the plant; resulting in loss to the environment. This work assessed the ability of stabilised amine nitrogen (SAN) to increase the NUE and yield of onion. In a glasshouse, two onion cultivars (F1 Hybound (pelleted) and Ramrod) were grown and fertilised with 150 kg N ha−1 as urea applied to the soil or 2.7 kg N ha−1 as SAN applied foliarly at the three, four and five leaf stages. The survival percentage, number of leaves, height, weight, bulb diameter and stem diameter were recorded. For both cultivars, the survival percentage was increased with the SAN, with the increase being significant for Ramrod. While for all other parameters, SAN resulted in significant increases for both cultivars. In field plot trails, applications of 150 kg N ha−1 were compared to applications of 7.56 kg N ha−1 as SAN, which gave statistically similar yields and increased the NUE. This work shows that considerably reduced N as SAN was a significant improvement over the traditional 150 kg N ha−1 for onion production. Commercial application of this work would significantly improve the profitability of onion production due to reduced purchase of N and increased yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted at farmers' fields during 2020-21 season to evaluate the effects of varieties and planting dates on onion (Allium cepa L.) yield parameters. The highest bulb yield was recorded in Ty followed by T4, T2, and Tr Similarly, D2 exhibited the highest yield, followed by D3 and Dr T4 also resulted in the maximum plant height, average bulb weight, and bulb diameter. The planting date significantly influenced bulb weight and plant height. Consequently, T3 (PRO-6) demonstrated the highest benefit-to-cost ratio and yield, followed by T4 (PRO-7), T2 (Punjab Naroya), and T2 (farmers' practices). Among planting dates, D2 yielded the highest, with a benefit: cost ratio of 4.58, followed by D2 (4.42) and D3 (4.35). The combined effects indicate that PRO-6, along with a planting date of January 1st, resulted in maximum yield and profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality seed is an essential input for the production of quality onion bulbs. However, lack of quality vegetable seeds including onions are the major obstacle to producing a better yield and quality. Therefore, the research was carried out to study the influence of blended fertilizer rate and variety on onion seed yield and quality. Treatments contained seven blended fertilizer rates (0, 30.5, 61, 91.5, 122,152.5 and 183 kg ha-1 Nitrogen: Phosphorus: Sulphur: Boron (NPSB)) and two onion varieties (Bombay red and Nafis). Data were collected on growth, yield and quality parameters and analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Most parameters were significantly influenced by the main and interaction effects of variety and blended fertilizer. Bombay red gained the maximum seed yield (2.3 tonne ha-1) planted at Kobo with the application of 183 kg blended fertilizer ha-1. The highest germination percentage (92%) was recorded on both Bombay red and Nafis at Libso and Kobo with the application rates of 183 and 61 kg ha -1 NPSB, respectively. The partial budget analysis showed that Bombay red planted at Kobo with the application of 183 kg blended NPSB fertilizer ha-1 gave a maximum net benefit of 1,857,967.5 ETB ha-1 with a marginal rate of return of 48,186.14%. Therefore, Bombay red with combination of 183 kg NPSB blended fertilizer and 34.4 kg Urea ha-1 is advisable for better yield and quality of onion seed production in the study area and similar agro ecologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraq Journal of Market Research & Consumer Protection / Al-Mağallaẗ al-ʿIrāqiyyaẗ li-Buḥūṯ al-Sūq wa-Ḥimāyaẗ al-Mustahlik is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pain and inflammation are amongst the most classical clinical signs of acute and chronic common diseases in humans and animals. Globally, these had led to losses of human and financial resources. This was designed to compare the antiinflammatory and analgesic effects of four fractions of serially produced extracts of red cultivar Allium cepa L. bulbs in laboratory rats and mice. Extracts of red cultivar Allium cepa L. bulbs were serially extracted by macerating oven dried onion bulbs in four (4) solvents (N-Hexane, Ethyl acetate, Chloroform and methanol). The anti-inflammatory and analgesic tests were carried out using Carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats and acetic acid induced abdominal writhe in mice respectively. The results revealed that while the extracts of solvents on either extremes of the polarity index (n-Hexane and methanol) were very mild in their anti-inflammatory effects, the effects of chloroform and ethyl acetate were 74.36% and 78.85% inhibition, respectively. However, the analgesic effects of all the extracts were generally low. The 50 mg/kg methanol fraction of the red cultivar A. cepa was significantly better than all the other fractions with 35% abdominal writhe inhibition in mice. This research shows that ethyl acetate fraction of the red cultivar Allium cepa extracts performed excellently as an antiinflammatory while none of the extracts exhibited appreciable analgesic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium carbide, a popular substance used in commercial ripening of fruits has been shown to have deleterious effects on reproduction. The protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties present in Allium cepa (AC) were harnessed in this study to counter the adverse effects of calcium carbide (CC) on the reproductive potentials of male albino wistar rats. Thirty sexually mature male albino rats were randomly divided into six groups (I, II, III, IV, V and VI) of five rats each. Group I (negative control) was administered distilled water. Group II received CC (0.25mg of calcium carbide per 20g of feed per rat). Group III received AC (100mg/kg) only, while the treatment Groups IV, V and VI received CC(0.25mg) + AC (100mg/kg), CC (0.25mg) + AC (200mg/kg) and CC (0.25mg) + AC (400mg/kg), respectively. Following administration, the animals were assessed for sexual behaviour (libido), antioxidant effects, gonadosomatic index, semen characteristics and testicular histomorphology. The result obtained revealed improved reproductive traits including libido, semen characteristics (p<0.05), remarkable anti-oxidative properties and gonadosomatic indices (p<0.05) in groups III, V and VI when compared to group II. The testicular histomorphology image showed ameliorative activities of A. cepa (V and VI) on the degenerative activities of calcium carbide observed in II. This study suggests, therefore, that A.cepa has an ameliorative effect on calcium carbideinduced reproductive toxicity in a dose dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the effect of different cultivation techniques on onion plant growth and bulb yield in harsh continental climates and the short vegetation period. Three onion varieties with different dry skin colors were used as plant material. The techniques tried were: direct seed sowing, covering with non-woven fabric after sowing of seeds, planting seedlings, and covering with nonwoven fabric after planting seedlings. The study was carried out in open field conditions in the Kayseri province where located in the central Anatolia region for two years. As a result of the study, it was determined that the interaction effects of the cultivar x cultivation technique had a statistically significant effect on all measured parameters. Although germination and emergence were observed in all varieties in both cultivation techniques, which started with direct seed sowing, plant development remained weak. The bulb formation was observed in only one variety in cultivation with seed sowing. In both techniques with seedlings, all varieties formed bulbs. Seedling planting + use of cover material had a positive effect on both yield and quality criteria for the bulbs. When all the results are evaluated together, it is understood that although the degree of effectiveness varies depending on the cultivars, seedling planting is a very effective technique for onions production in these climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a rich source of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Sugars affect the quality and taste of bulbs. The aim of the study is to investigate the changes in phytochemicals and carbohydrates of onion accessions at the juvenile and bulbing stages. All accessions had higher leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid content, phytochemical, and soluble sugars at the bulbing stage compared to the juvenile stage. The highest leaf and bulb phenols were measured in 'Azarshahr' and 'Malbacea' plants (39.79 and 25.63 mg·g-1, respectively), whereas the highest bulb flavonoid content was found in 'Azarshahr' and 'Kordestan' plants (21.40 and 16.79 mg·g-1, respectively). DPPH assay indicated that 'Azarshahr' and 'Sarze' had the highest antioxidant capacity (92.66 and 90 mg.g-1, respectively). Furthermore, the highest bulb anthocyanin content was measured in 'Azarshahr' and 'Malbacea' (0.163 and 0.133 mg·g-1, respectively). Positive correlations were found between bulb anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity (rs = 0.82), and between bulb flavonoids and antioxidant capacity (rs = 0.60). Bulb fructose content showed positive correlations with anthocyanin content (rs = 0.88), phenols (rs = 0.93), and flavonoids (rs = 0.64). Leaf total soluble sugars was positively correlated to bulb anthocyanin content (rs= 0.61). Varieties, plant organ and development stage affected phytochemical content. Varieties with dark color had higher bulb phytochemical contents. Leaf sugars content was also positively correlated to phytonutrient content and bulb quality of onion. Therefore, it is hypothesized that nutrition management prior to bulbing phase can increase bulb quality and valuable phytochemical content of onion bulb at bulbing stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of microalgae as natural biofertilizer in horticulture has recently been reported, while the use of humic substances is widespread. However, the combined use of microalgae with humic substances applied to plant leaves is still unexploited. Thus, the objective of this work was to combine fulvic acid (FA) with the Scenedesmus subspicatus microalga biomass (SC) as a natural biofertilizer applied via leaf in two onion cultivars in organic system. Four experiments were conducted: i) bioassays to verify the bioactive effect of FA, SC and combinations using the Vigna radiata model plant; ii) greenhouse pot experiment with foliar applications of FA, SC and combination in two onion cultivars; iii) field experiment in organic system with foliar applications of FA, SC and combination in two onion cultivars; and iv) onion bulb storage experiment. The bioactive effect of SC, FA and their combinations was identified by promoting changes in root growth of V. radiata. In pots, treatments containing FA, SC and combination promoted increase in fresh and dry leaf mass. The foliar application of FA, SC and combination promoted an increase in field bulb productivity, reduced mass loss in stored bulbs and increased carbohydrate, amino acid and protein contents in onion bulbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

THIS INVESTIGATION explored the effect of copper application under organic and biofertilization on onion growth, yield and yield components, chemical contents and bulb storability as well as economic efficiency during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. In this research, the design of the experiments was split-split design in complete randomized blocks in four replications. The factors were: A. farmyard manure (0.0, 12 and 24 t ha-1) where arranged in the main plots, B. copper (0.0 and foliar spray of copper sulphate at rate of 0.1% twice, about 600 L ha-1) where randomly allocated in sub plots, and C. biofertilizer (0.0 and inoculation with Azotobacter chroococcum inoculant) where randomly applied in sub- sub plots. The results indicated that increasing FYM levels, foliar spraying of Cu and bio-fertilization improved all studied onion quality and quantity, except copper concentration in onion leaves at 75 days age which affected only by copper application. From the results of this research, it could be recommended to fertilize onion plants with 12 t ha-1of FYM instead of 24 t ha-1 with Cu spraying and biofertilizer inoculation to maximize the quality, quantity, storability and net return of onion grown in alluvial soil at Middle Egypt conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Soil Science is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

F1 populations of half diallel cross were considered for this investigation. Genotypic (σ² G), interaction (σ² I) and within error (σ² w) components of variation were less than phenotypic component of variation (σ² P) for all the traits. Bulb weight showed the highest values for σ² P, σ² G, σ² I and σ² w. The noticeable amount of phenotypic, genotypic, interaction and within error covariation was found in the combination of BW × BY, possibly indicating wide scope of selection for this pair of characters. Phenotypic correlations were comparatively less than genotypic correlations. This situation was also marked in the path coefficient analysis. Bulb yield/plot showed highly significant and positive correlation coefficient with other characters both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. When all the nine characters were included in an index, it exhibited the highest genetic gain as percentage. For bulb yield, the efficacy was higher than that of direct selection when a combination of two or more characters was studied in a function. The combination of five, six, seven or eight characters showed higher percentage of expected gain. Due to significantly correlated with BY and having high positive direct effect at phenotypic level characters viz., LL, BW, PH and NLs is considered as primary yield components. Again combinations of these four characters gave the commendable expected genetic gain of 330.7290% may be considered as important selection index for this material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the use of natural extracts or biostimulants in improving vegetable plants is the current needs as an alternative way to the use of chemical products. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) as a natural growth regulator on bulb diameter, weight and yield of onions 'Texas Early White' cultivar. Therefore, three concentrations (control, 2%, 4% and 6%) of MLE and three different onion set sizes [small (3±1 g/set), medium (6±1 g/set), and large (10±1 g/set)] were prepared in a randomized complete block design with three replications and plant spacing 20×15 cm. MLE was applied as a foliar spray directly onto the plants with the amount of 25 ml/plant every two weeks from sprouting to maturity. The achieved results indicate that the interaction of foliar spray with moringa leaf extract 4% and large set size of 10±1 g/set gave the highest value of the total yield 4802.7 g m-2, while the lowest yield 1531 g m-2 was recorded in the interaction of control and the smallest set size of 3±1 g/set. Also, a significant difference was recorded in bulb diameter separately. Thus, the largest bulb diameter 68.90 mm was obtained from the planting of the largest set size 10±1 g/set with 4% of MLE while the smallest bulb diameter 38.40 mm was recorded from the smallest set size 3 ±1 g/set with control treatment. Similarly, a significant effect was recorded in both set size and MLE separately. The highest bulb diameter 58.71 mm was achieved in the planting of the largest sets 10±1 g/set, while the lowest diameter was 42.12 mm in the planting of the smallest set size 3 ±1 g/set. Similar results were recorded for the bulb weight and total yield. The concentration of 4% MLE produced the highest bulb weight 99.74 g/bulb and yield 3324.5 g m-2, while the lowest bulb weight and yield was obtained in the control treatment 55.61 g/bulb, and 1869.3 g m-2. Consequently, the results indicate the positive effect of Moringa leaf extract which can be applied as a natural substance in the form of foliar spray at critical growth stages to improve the growth and yield of dry onions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the nature and magnitude of genetic diversity in long day onion germplasm by using the principal component analysis and single linkage cluster analysis an experiment was carried out with 34 onion genotypes. High coefficient of variation with wide range in traits indicated an appreciable variability in germplasm. Genotypes were classified into seven principal components having Eigen value > 1, cumulatively accounted for 83.87% of total variability. Principal Component - I contributed for 24.73% of total variation for followed by principal component-II (15.27%). PC-I had high positive loading for bulb weight (0.401), marketable yield (0.338), total bulb yield (0.401) and PC-II had high positive loading for plant height (0.412), PC-III for high T.S.S. (0.276) PC -IV for A grade bulbs (0.436), PC-V for polar diameter of bulbs (0.514), PC-IV negatively loaded with purple blotch (-0.461) and PC-VII for narrow neck thickness (-0.515). Plotting PC-I aganist PC-II differenciated CITH-O-13, CITH-O-4, CITH-O-22, CITH-O-19, CITH-O-9, CITH-O-6 and CITH-O2 as most divergent genotype. On the basis of single linkage cluster means cluster-I was most importent for average bulb weight, minimum bolters, high marketble bulb percentage high marketable and total bulb yield whereas cluster -II was important for maximum nuber of leaves/plant and minimum neck thicknes. Highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluter II and Cluster-I(873.5%).Most divergent genotypes with high inter cluter distance could be the most appropriate parents for crop impovement in onion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight diverse white onions parents were selected and crossed in half diallel fashion in order to determine the combining ability to identify promising hybrids for nine traits including yield and processing quality. Analysis of variance for general and specific combining ability revealed that GCA and SCA variances were significant (p<0.05) for all characters. Among the parents exotics JV16 and JV12 was proved to be a good general combiner for yield and processing quality characters. Among the crosses AF x JV12, was best specific combination for bulb weight, bulb diameter, total soluble solids, percent bolting, percent doubles, pungency and yield. It is evident from present investigation that the hybrids combinations AF x JV12, PW x JV12, J16 x JV12 and PS x JV12 exhibited the high per se performance and SCA effect for bulb yield and processing quality characters could be advanced by selecting desirable segregants and recombinants in each generation for funneling the new genotype or using further advanced breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal rot of onion is one of the most destructive disease, in different onion growing regions of Tamil Nadu, India which caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae. Efficacy of various biocontrol agents and AM fungi was evaluated for the potential to manage the basal rot of onion in vitro pot culture experiment. The experiment clearly indicate that the plant treated with consortial formulation of TV5+PF2+G. mosseae showed higher induction of defense enzymes viz., peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and phenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-chemical IPM and INM technologies (organic) along with IPM farm trials carried out on onion in Karnal, Haryana during 2015-16 and 2016-17 in a farmers' involving approach revealed lower yields (185.5 & 308 q/ha) and so the lower CBR (1:0.98 & 1:1.97) in non-chemical (organic) trial than IPM-yield (270 & 375 q/ha); CBR (1:1.78 & 1:3.18) and Farmers' Practices - yield (255 & 355 q/ha); CBR (1:1.65 & 1:2.92), but yielded clean/quality produce as reflected by reduced pesticide use. IPM technology was environment friendly that helped in increased biodiversity in terms of natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Two onion cultivars differ in fructan content and composition in the harvested bulb. • Fructan accumulation and enzymatic activities were examined throughout development. • Fructan accumulation were almost the same in two cultivars before bulb formation. • Varietal differences in the bulb were apparent only 2 or 3 weeks before harvest. • Fructan degradation enzymes would be involved in the varietal differences. Abstract Onion (Allium cepa L.) produces a fructose-based oligosaccharide (fructan) in the bulb as the major reserve carbohydrate. We previously found varietal differences in fructan quantity in the harvested bulbs; 'Kita-momiji 2000' accumulated a high level of fructans with a high degree of polymerization, while 'Pole Star' had low amounts and accumulated mainly monosaccharides and sucrose. In this study, we examined fructan accumulation and enzymatic activities involved in the fructan metabolic pathway in more detail in both aerial and subterranean tissues that were harvested throughout onion development. Analyses of fructan levels in the two cultivars revealed that levels in fructan accumulation were almost the same in aerial and basal leaves before bulb formation, but fructan levels differed significantly in the late stage after bulb formation; varietal differences in fructan content in the harvested bulb were apparent only during the 2 or 3 weeks before harvest. At an early developmental stage, fructan levels in 'Pole Star' were equivalent to those in 'Kita-momiji 2000', indicating that 'Pole Star' can synthesize highly polymerized fructans. In analyses of enzymatic activities, 'Pole Star' had high activity for synthesizing fructan after bulb formation compared to 'Kita-momiji 2000' and also greater potential for degrading sucrose and fructan before bulb formation, leading to less sucrose accumulation both in aerial and basal leaves. These results suggest that high activities for fructan degradation enzymes in 'Pole Star' cause less fructan accumulation in the bulb than in 'Kita-Momiji 2000' because this cultivar cannot sustain high levels of sucrose, the starting substrate for fructan synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A field study was conducted to evaluate the productivity of onion (Allium cepa L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) within intercropping system during two consecutive growing seasons (2015–2016 and 2016–2017). Cultural pattern of intercropping was implemented using additive series. The experiment was arranged as a factorial on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was onion densities (300,000, 250,000 and 200,000 plant ha−1) and the second one was fenugreek densities at three levels (250,000, 150,000 and 120,000 plant ha−1) along with sole each mono crop of the mixture. The results showed that the highest total bulb yield of onion (46.6 t h−1) was obtained with 30 plant m−2 density. Maximum biological yield (5.43 t h−1) of fenugreek was observed in 25 plant m−2. Regarding two years mean, the highest land equivalent ratio (LER) (2.96) and relative value total (RVT) (1.58) related to the treatment combination of onion and fenugreek with 25:25 and 30:15 plant m−2 respectively. These suggest that onion and fenugreek intercropping had more productivity than monocropping of them. Maximum LER and RVT were achieved at the higher densities of onion (30 plant m−2) and fenugreek (15 plant m−2). Onion and fenugreek are favorable for intercropping because they are complementary, and interactively contribute to increasing the yield per unit area and improving the nutritional properties. Also, it was confirmed that farmers can attain more revenue with intercropping onion and fenugreek. Highlights • Actual productivity in intercropping patterns was higher than monocropping. • Intercrops may contribute to a more efficient use of available resources. • Intercropping system improved productivity per unit area (LER and RVT>1). • Fenugreek/onion intercropping enhanced growth and improve the yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yields in organic farming are controversial and are considered to be lower than in conventional agriculture. In Africa, organic farming practices are very diverse and yields are highly uncertain. Analyses of yields and crop management practices are described on three vegetable crops in Senegal. The results are then compared with the usual yields of conventional agriculture. Two types of data are used, all of which coming from farmers' fields: (i) monitoring of fields cultivated according to organic vs. conventional farming methods; (ii) results from the actions of the non-governmental organization ENDA-PRONAT following specifications copied from organic farming requirements. Comparative monitoring of cabbage and tomato fields in the rainy season showed organic/conventional farming yield ratios of 74 and 40% respectively. These values confirm the general trend of literature. They are explained by a lower nitrogen fertilization and lack of effective measures to protect crops against diseases and pests. The onion yields of organic farmers' fields are very variable: on average, from 19.4 t/ha to 11.0 t/ha depending on the years in the Niayes area, 21.0 t/ha in the Groundnut Basin and only 8.6 t/ha in the Senegal River Valley. According to scientific literature, yields of onion crops in Senegal also vary in large proportions, from 10.7 to 32 t/ha. In some cases, yields in organic farming are higher than those in conventional farming. This observation, already noticed in the academic literature, shows that organic farming is a pathway for agriculture development not to be discarded in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downy mildew of onion has worldwide occurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of weekly sprays of different active ingredients on the area under a disease progress curve (AUDPC) and on the commercial yield of onion, under field conditions. We observed that propineb sprays resulted in the highest values of yield in 2017 (32.98 t ha-1) and 2018 (20.70 t ha-1). Propineb (130.66) and metalaxyl-M+ mancozeb (144.66) presented the lowest AUDPC values in 2017. Metalaxyl-M (100 g ha-1) + mancozeb (1600 g ha-1), bentiavalicarb-isopropyl (56.25 mL ha-1) + chlorothalonil (562.5 mL ha-1) and bentiavalicarbisopropyl (40 mL ha-1) + fluazinam (100 mL ha-1) resulted in higher yields than the control (water) in the two years of testing. We emphasise the importance of using fungicides with protective action to control downy mildew of onion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) and chitosan/polyacrylic acid hydrogel nanoparticles (CS/PAA-HNPs) were obtained by ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate anions and copolymerization of CS with acrylic acid (AA), respectively. The prepared NPs were loaded by different concentrations of copper (1, 2 and 3% with respect to CS) to obtain chitosan/copper nanocomposites (CS/Cu-NCs) and chitosan/polyacrylic acid/copper hydrogel nanocomposites (CS/PAA/Cu-HNCs). The prepared NPs and their NCs were characterized by different techniques. The swelling properties and copper release from CS/Cu-NCs and CS/PAA/Cu-HNCs were evaluated. The antibacterial activity of the prepared samples against bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) , fungi, and yeast were investigated. The results displayed that the copper release, as well as the swelling percentage of CS/PAA/Cu-HNCs, were higher than that of CS/Cu-NCs. Furthermore, the impact of using CuSO 4 , CS/Cu-NCs, and CS/PAA/Cu-HNCs as a different source of copper on chlorophyll content, vegetative growth, minerals content, and the yield of onion plants during two seasons 2016 and 2017 were studied. It was found that the yield, plant growth, and nutrient content of onion bulbs were improved using CS/PAA-HNPs, which was loaded with 75 ppm copper, as foliar spray for onion plants. Highlights • CS-NPs were obtained by copolymerization of CS with AA, and by ionic gelation. • Antibacterial activity of CS/Cu-NCs and CS/PAA/Cu-HNCs • Treated onion plant with CS/Cu-NCs and CS/PAA/Cu-HNCs as foliar nutrition • Improved the growth, yield and nutrient content of onion bulbs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Highlights • Purple blotch significantly reduces onion production in Egypt. • Sulfur (2 gL−1) improved antagonistic effect of Trichoderma spp. on Alternaria porri. • Inoculation onion seedlings with Trichoderma spp. decreased the disease incidences. • Mixture of S0 × Trichoderma increased productivity and quality of onion bulbs. • Sulfur-mediated biocontrol of purple disease is better than using fungicides. Abstract Onion is one of the most important export crops in Egypt; its productivity and exportation is restricted mainly by purple blotch disease. In vitro and field experiments during two growing seasons were conducted aiming to improve control of Alternaria porri (the pathogen causing purple blotch disease) by the application of combinations of elemental sulfur (S0) and Trichoderma spp. (T. harzianum and T. viride). Fungicide (Ridomil Gold M Z-68% WG) was applied as pesticide treatment control. In vitro experiments revealed that supplementation of S0 at 2 g L−1 to the growth medium that was utilized to culture Trichoderma spp. inhibited (100%) the growth of Alternaria porri. Trichoderma viride showed higher efficiency in controlling purple blotch than T. harzianum , and resulted in disease controlling rates that were similar to those by fungicide (Ridomil Gold). Disease incidences decreased by 63.9% in onion plants that were inoculated with T. viride, compared to 66.3% when fungicide was applied. Also, antioxidant activity of catalase and peroxidase was the highest when S0 was applied at 240 kg ha−1 and the onion plants were treated with T. harzianum and/or T. viride. Application of S0 at 240 kg ha−1, in combination with inoculating onion seedlings with T. harzianum, led to enhanced onion growth and yield over fungicide application (traditional practice of farmers) in both seasons. As a result, green bulb yield (t ha−1) and total soluble solids (TSS, %) were 41.9 and 21.7% higher, respectively; harvested dry bulb (t ha−1), marketable bulb yield and TSS were 33, 35 and 13% higher, respectively; while nonmarketable bulb yield was 21.5% lower than those under fungicide application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased yield of onion sets through the use of high-yielding hybrids as seed material entails an increase in weight and number of onion bulbs per one running meter. Consequently, the onion set heap supply from the surface of modern harvesters digging over the separating working parts is also increased. However, these harvesters do not ensure complete removal of soil impurities during onion set harvesting in the traditional onion set production conditions. In this regard, it is necessary to carry out investigations to identify areas on the surface of a chain digger with asymmetric vibrator arrangement and minimum value of soil screening, as well as to develop recommendations and proposals for their improvement. The paper describes a procedure and results of laboratory tests of a chain digger with asymmetric vibrator arrangement to determine soil screening ability on its surface. It was found out that the greatest value of the screened soil mass, regardless of the supply of soil impurities, was observed at the wave length attenuation section of the loaded strand in the chain digger due to elliptical vibrator impact relevant to the length of the chain digger LEL =1020 mm. The paper provides the results of laboratory tests of a chain digger with asymmetric vibrator arrangement and determines the length-width soil screening relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A field experiment was conducted in 2017-2018 in the Agricultural Experiment Station owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The experiment had a randomized block design with three replications. The first experimental factor was a number of common onion cultivars: ‘Whitney Wing F1’, ‘Spirit F1’ and ‘Red Baron’. The second experimental factor was the effect of two plant growth biostimulants; Calleaf Aminovital and Maximus Amino Protect, on the yield and quality of the onions. In the control treatment, plots were sprayed with water. The total yield, marketable yield and the marketable yield as a percentage of the total yield, the weight, vertical diameter and horizontal diameter of each onion bulb, the content of dry matter, total sugars, reducing sugars, L-ascorbic acid and nitrates (V) in the onions were determined in the study. The evaluated cultivars differed significantly with regard to the weight and size of the onions. Onions of cv. ‘Whitney Wing F1’ were characterized by a greater yield, and the weight, vertical diameter and horizontal diameter of the bulbs were all higher than they were for the remaining cultivars. The concentrations of dry matter, total sugars, L-ascorbic acid and nitrates (V) were higher in cv. ‘Red Baron’. The contents of L-ascorbic acid and nitrates (V) were significantly affected by the application of biostimulants, and the effects were more pronounced for onions treated with Maximus Amino Protect. The interaction between the experimental factors had a significant effect on the weight of individual onion bulbs, and on the concentrations of dry matter and L-ascorbic acid in the edible plant parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the water scarcity in dry Mediterranean condition, determination of water and nitrogen (N) fertilizer needs is a major challenge for crop production and environment protection. Pot experiments under open field conditions were conducted for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) to assess the effects of various levels of N-fertilizer and irrigation on onion crop, following a 4x3 factorial experiment arranged in a randomized block design with four Nfertilizer rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N ha-1), and three irrigation levels (100, 80, and 60% of the seasonal water use), with three replications. Results indicated that the initial soil N-content (about 60 kg N ha-1) was sufficient to meet crop nitrogen requirements. However, results indicated that onion crop was sensitive to water stress, so that the highest total bulb yield (BY, 19.1 t ha-1), dry matter in bulbs (DM, 2.97 t ha-1), and water productivity (WP, 1.9 kg m-3) were found under full irrigation compared to the deficit conditions. BY, DM, and WP were predicted to be increased linearly with increasing levels of irrigation. The developed equations could be used for predicting onion crop yields under similar agro-pedo-climatic context, and as a tool for rational management of limited irrigation water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is the second largest producer of onion in the world next after China. Mechanization of farming is increasing day by day to produce yield of crop for gaining the profit. This study was related to the development of an onion bulblet planter for vertisol. The development and fabrication of different furrow opener for matching to the existing inclined plate metering device for planting of onion bulblet. The performance of onion bulblet planter in term of depth and width of planting, missing index percentage, multiple percentage, seed damage, actual field capacity and field efficiency. The result indicated that the field efficiency was maximum 83.33% with minimum seed damage 10.2%. Multiple index was 5.1%, missing index was 2.2% and bulb to bulb spacing was 10.66 cm in chisel type furrow opener at 1.8 km/h speed with moisture content 17.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orobanche cernua is a total root parasite that causes considerable economic losses in various agricultural crops such as vegetables, legumes, sunflower, and tobacco. A review of literature revealed that no comprehensive work on O. cernua parasitism on Allium cepa is reported so far. This study is the first report of nodding broomrape (O. cernua Loefl.) parasitizing onion (A. cepa L.) in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, India. This report provides morphological description of O. cernua parasitizing A cepa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omeprazole (OME) is a proton pump inhibitor used for the treatment of various gastric and intestinal disease; however, studies on its effects on the genetic materials are still restricted. The present study aimed to evaluate possible toxicogenic effects of OME in Allium cepa meristems with the application of cytogenetic biomarkers for DNA damage, mutagenic, toxic and cytotoxic effects. Additionally, retinol palmitate (RP) and ascorbic acid (AA) were also co-treated with OME to evaluate possible modulatory effects of OME-induced cytogenetic damages. OME was tested at 10, 20 and 40 μg/mL, while RP and AA at 55 μg/mL and 352.2 μg/mL, respectively. Copper sulphate (0.6 μg/mL) and dechlorinated water were used as positive control and negative control, respectively. The results suggest that OME induced genotoxicity and mutagenicity in A. cepa at all tested concentrations. It was noted that cotreatment of OME with the antioxidant vitamins RP and/or AA significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited and/or modulated all toxicogenic damages induced by OME. These observations demonstrate their antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, antitoxic and anticitotoxic effects in A. cepa . This study indicates that application of antioxidants may be useful tools to overcome OME-induced toxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Vegetables Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2015-16. The objective was to assess the amount of genetic variation present in onion germplasm for improvement of the crop. Twenty two lines of onion were studied for this purpose through principal component analysis (PCA) which was applied on six variables viz. bulb yield, plant weight, bulb weight, bulb diameter, neck diameter and number of rings/bulb. PCA is a procedure of data reduction which helps understand the relationship among variables. First two principal components showed about 80% of total variation. Plant weight, bulb weight and bulb yield were the important variables having greater contribution to total variation and these variables could be used for selection of promising lines. Principal component biplot of first two components showed that all the studied variables were significantly and positively correlated with each other. Score plot showed that great amount of genetic diversity is present among the genotypes which can be utilized to produce new and improved cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hortscience Journal of Suez Canal University is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Drip irrigation is one of the essential, advanced and innovative irrigation methods over surface irrigation. In view of this, an experiment was conducted to study the efficiency of drip irrigation system over surface irrigation in onion during Rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15 and Kharif 2014 and 2015. The results revealed that drip irrigation system performed superior over surface irrigation system in terms of superior plant morphology, yield and quality of bulb. Drip irrigation recorded maximum plant height (66.37 cm & 61.88), number of leaves (9.23 & 8.00) and neck thickness (1.62 cm & 1.30 cm) in both Rabi and Kharif seasons. The bulb equatorial and polar diameter, higher gross yield as well as marketable yield obtained in drip irrigation system. In drip, gross yield and marketable yield increased 18.16% and 24.49%, respectively over surface irrigation method and better water use efficiency and also saved 29.36% and 27.12% water during Rabi and Kharif seasons, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment conducted in onion cv. CO (On) 5 to study the effect of manual restriction of umbel orders as two, four, six and eight umbels plant-1 revealed that the yield contributing characters viz., umbel diameter (6.6 cm), number of capsules (166.4), seed set per cent (85.3%) and seed yield umbel-1 (1.97 g) were maximum for the plant with two umbels and these were reduced when the number of umbel orders increased. The quantitative and qualitative characters were found to be optimum upto sixth order umbel and beyond that the reduction in both parameters were observed. Hence the maximum of six umbels plant-1 could be maintained in onion cv. CO (On) 5 to get maximum quantity of quality seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion ( Allium cepa ) seeds gradually lose vigor during storage, even under optimal conditions. Some of the loss in vigor is reversible and can be recovered by priming. Electrostatic field priming can instantly increase seed vigor and accelerate germination, though the effects are short-lived. Hydro-priming is most widely used as it does not use chemicals and is a clean process, but requires a long priming time and precise seed moisture control. Here, we investigated the potential of combined hydro-electrostatic hybrid priming on the recovery of vigor in onion seeds. Hydro-electrostatic hybrid priming lead to improved seed vigor recovery. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance revealed exposure to an electrostatic field enhanced SOD activity in seeds by changing the secondary structure of the enzyme and led to more efficient free radical scavenging; scanning and transmission microscopy revealed these effects promoted more complete and rapid healing of embryo cell organelles and plasma membranes during the incubation stage of hydro-priming. Hydro-electrostatic hybrid priming has the advantages of greater recovery of potential vigor and a shorter processing time than single hydro-priming, leads to longer lasting effects than single electro-priming, and does not require any chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the importance of onion and its cultivation in saline soils, a two-year experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of soil applied zeolite and foliar application of selenium (Se) and silicon (Si) on onion yield, qualitative traits and physiological attributes, under salinity stress. An experiment was performed at three-way factorial design with three replications as follows: zeolite at three levels (0, 4 and 8 ton ha-1), Se at three levels (0, 0.5 and 1 kg ha-1) and Si at three levels (0, 200 and 400 kg ha-1). The results indicated that the effect of year was significant on all studied traits except for soluble solids, bulb nitrogen, leaf sodium and potassium, chlorophyll content and peroxidase activity. Number of small-sized bulbs decreased with increasing zeolite, Se and Si application. Dry matter, soluble solids, nitrogen content, nitrate concentration as well as protein content significantly increased due to zeolite, Se and Si application. Leaf sodium content and enzyme activity decreased due to zeolite, Se and Si application. Overall, 8 ton ha-1 zeolite along with 1 kg ha-1 Se and 400 kg ha-1 Si caused the maximum onion yield and qualitative and physiologic traits including soluble solids, potassium, protein, chlorophyll and photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)