Study on Efficacy of Planting Methods and Spacing on Growth and Yield Attributes of Onion Produced through Bulb Sets

Author: Annem Pavithra, V. Suchitra, K. Nirosha, R. Preetham Goud and L. Saravanan

Download PDF

Abstract

A study titled effect of planting method and spacing on the growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) variety N-53 in Southern Telangana Region was conducted during the late kharif season of 2021-2022 at the research field of the Vegetable Block, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad in 2022. The research aimed to assess the production potential of late-kharif onion using bulb sets with various planting methods and spacing configurations. The experiment followed a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors: planting methods and spacing. Several growth parameters, including plant height (measured at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after planting), number of functional leaves, and pseudo stem diameter, were recorded during the study. Notably, the study found that the raised bed planting method (M1) significantly influenced these growth parameters, with plant height ranging from 14.2 cm to 39.6 cm, the number of functional leaves ranging from 3.62 to 17.45, and pseudo stem diameter ranging from 0.2 cm to 1.4 cm at different stages of growth. Regarding spacing, a planting configuration of 30 cm × 20 cm demonstrated significantly higher plant height (ranging from 15.1 cm to 41.7 cm), number of functional leaves (ranging from 4.9 to 19.7), and pseudo stem diameter (ranging from 0.5 cm to 1.7 cm) at various stages of growth. The study also evaluated yield parameters, including fresh weight of bulbs, bulb diameter, double bulbs percentage, bolted bulbs percentage, bulb yield per plot, bulb yield per hectare, and marketable yield. Notably, the raised bed planting method (M1) resulted in significantly higher fresh weight of bulbs (80.2 g), bulb diameter (6.6 cm), bulb yield per plot (6.44 kg), total bulb yield per hectare (19.35 t), and marketable bulb yield per hectare (17.28 t). In terms of spacing, a planting configuration of 30 cm × 20 cm showed significantly higher fresh weight of bulbs (84.9 g) and bulb diameter (6.85 cm), while a spacing of 15 cm × 10 cm resulted in significantly higher bulb yield per plot (6.87 kg), total bulb yield per hectare (20.07 t), and marketable bulb yield per hectare (16.9 t). Additionally, the percentage of double bulbs (16.5%) was significantly lower when using a spacing of 15 cm × 10 cm, and the percentage of bolted bulbs (5.1%) was reduced with a spacing of 30 cm × 20 cm. Furthermore, the interaction between planting method and spacing significantly influenced plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight of compound bulbs, and overall yield. The kharif crop is the most important in regulating market prices because if it is delayed or spoiled by whimsy monsoon, prices rise quickly in October and remain high until January or February. To combat the rise in onion prices, grow onions in the late kharif season using a technique known as bulb set technique. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate planting methods and spacing configurations to optimize onion growth and yield in the southern Telangana region.

Keywords

Planting method, spacing, Late kharif, Bulb Sets, Onion.

Conclusion

Raised bed method of planting which recorded significantly higher growth parameters (plant height, number of functional leaves, pseudo stem diameter), yield attributes and yield over ridge and furrow method along with a plant spacing of 15 cm x 10 cm which recorded higher yields and economic returns can be recommended for onion production through bulb sets during late kharif conditions of Southern Telangana region.

References

-

How to cite this article

Annem Pavithra, V. Suchitra, K. Nirosha, R. Preetham Goud and L. Saravanan (2023). Study on Efficacy of Planting Methods and Spacing on Growth and Yield Attributes of Onion Produced through Bulb Sets. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 33-38.