Effect of selected biostimulants on the yield and quality of the common onion (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract

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.

The Influence of the Biological Activator Nutrilife on the Yield and Quality of Onions

“…There was no significant effect of Nutrilife and mineral fertilizers on onion sugar content. Similarly, Mikulewicz et al [16] found no changes in the content of total and reducing sugar in three varieties of onion after the use of two biostimulants. On the other hand, Francke et al [6] reported that biostimulants decreased the sugar content of shallot onion in relation to the control.…”

“…Whereas, the positive effect of biostimulants on the endive yield was observed by Gajc-Wolska et al [7], and on raspberry yield was shown by Grajkowski and Ochmian [9]. Mikulewicz et al [16] observed differences in the onion yield depending on the type of amino acid biostimulants. The positive effect of biostimulants produced from seaweed extracts on the biometric parameters of onion was also noted by Abbas et al found that biostimulant application had a positive effect on the average weight of bulbs and their yield, regardless of the year of research.…”

“…Regardless of the year of the research, the most beneficial effect on dry matter accumulation was achieved by the treatment with the half dose of P and the full dose of N and K combined with the application of Nutrilife or with the half dose of N and the full dose of P and K without the activator. Mikulewicz et al [16] found that dry matter content of the Spirit F1 onion variety increased significantly after the use of two biostimulants: Calleaf Aminovital and Maximus Amino Protect. However, the biostimulants had no effect on dry matter in the case of the Red Baron variety.…”