Evaluation of Onion Varieties (Allium cepa L.) on Quantitative Attributes under Rabi Season in Tripura Region of India

Abstract

Background: The cultivation of onion in Tripura is not a widespread practice. Tripura has a 40.12 thousand metric tonnes annual demand for onion, compared to a production of 1110 metric tonnes covering an area of 170 hectares in 2020-21(Horticultural Statistics at a Glance 2021). The state's demand is fulfilled mainly by importing it from other states like Maharashtra, West Bengal. So for the purpose of meeting the demand of the common people and also for the development of a common source of income for the farmers, the experiment was conducted to find the appropriate variety(s) suitable for the region of Tripura, appropriate cultivation practice and best-yielding variety for the region. The experiment was performed in the Experimental Farm of College of Agriculture, Tripura, during the Rabi season of 2022-23 and 2023-24. Methods: Twelve varieties of onion were taken viz., Sukhsagar, Bhima Kiran, Bhima Light Red, NHRDF Red-4, NHRDF Red-2, Fursungi, Bhima Red, NHRDF Red, Bhima Raj, Bhima Shweta, Agrifound Light Red and one check variety Bhima Shakti were evaluated using RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) with three replications. The planting dates were December 22nd, 2022 for the first season and December 5th, 2023 for the second season. Results: The experiment’s result showed that theSukhsagar was the best among promising standard performers, displaying the most desirable characteristics and low post-harvest neck thickness, which is remarkable for its long-term storage. Sukhsagar required the minimum days to harvest (103 days) which was followed by Bhima Red (106 days). Among the yield parameters the highest average weight was observed in variety Bhima Raj (59.93 g). In terms of total yield and marketable yield Sukhsagar was the maximum (26.29 t/ha) and (23.38 t/ha) for two seasons respectively making it very commercial. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the results of the experiment that for optimizing the yield, early harvest Sukhsagar, Bhima Red, Bhima Shweta and Fursungi are recommended under Rabi season the region.