Evaluation of Different Varieties under Various Date of Transplanting for Kharif Onion Production

Abstract

Selection of suitable variety and transplanting date is very important for successful onion cultivation specially when grown during kharif season. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different transplanting dates and varieties on bulb yield per plot, bulb quality and economic feasibility of kharif onion at subtropical climate of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, since onion is one of the most important vegetables extensively used in every kitchen around the world along with its medicinal and other uses. Ten varieties viz., Bhima Red (V1), Bhima Safed (V2), Bhima Super (V3), Bhima Raj (V4), Bhima Kiran (V5), Bhima Shweta (V6), Bhima Shakti (V7), Bhima Light Red (V8), Bhima Dark Red (V9), Bhima Shubhra (V10) were transplanted on four dates i.e. 30th August (D1), 15th September (D2), 30th September (D3),15th October (D4) following two factor randomized block design with three replications. Data collected over two years revealed significant differences in bulb yield per plot, quality and economy of kharif onions depending on transplanting dates and varieties. Among the four transplanting dates and ten varieties tested, onion transplanted on August 30th exhibited the highest bulb yield, superior bulb characteristics like fresh bulb weight, dry bulb weight, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar, non- reducing sugar and thus, showed higher profit (5.71 B:C ratio). Regarding varietal performance, Bhima Raj (V4) among ten varieties showed the highest yield (356.26 q/ha) while, Bhima Shakti (V7) excelled in terms of bulb quality. Based on interaction effect Bhima Super transplanted on 30th August (D1V3) showed the highest yield (401.75 q/ha) and maximum benefit: cost ratio of 5.96. However, performance of different varieties significantly differs on different dates of transplanting. This approach definitely will make a bridge between market demand and production as well as ensure better economic returns for the farmers as well as economic relief to the consumer.