Intra row spacing effect on shelf life of onion varieties (Allium cepa L.) at Aksum, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of intra-row spacing and, variety on yield and shelf life of onion. The study was conducted between August 2010 and April 2011 at Aksum area (Laelay Maichew District). Three different intra-row spacings (5, 7.5 and 10 cm) were evaluated using 4 varieties of onion ('Adama' Red, 'Bombay' Red, 'Melkam' and 'Nasik' Red) using randomized complete block design replicated 4 times. Data on yield and shelf life parameters were recorded and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS 9.2 software. The result showed the post harvest deterioration as measured by percentage of marketable loss, total soluble sugars in oBrix and dry matter content (DMC) was less on 'Nasik' Red variety. The largest bulb size, produced by the larger intra-row spacing, showed highest rotting percentage compared to the smaller ones. Average bulb weight loss during storage also was higher at the intra-row spacing of 5 cm than 7.5 cm. Moreover, the result revealed that 'Melkam' and 'Bombay' Red varieties were superior in yield and an intra-row spacing of 7.5 cm can gave good yield bulbs while 'Nasik' Red had best storage quality and 'Melkam' and 'Adama' Red are moderate.

Growth Parameters of Onion (<i>Allium cepa</i> L. var. Cepa) as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates and Intra-row Spacing Under Irrigation in Gode, South-Eastern Ethiopia

“…This result is in agreement to [36] finding, who reported that highest onion plant leaf length obtained from 10 cm intra-row spacing than at 7.5 cm and 5 cm intra-row spacing at Aksum northern Ethiopia. In agreement with this result, many authors reported that maximum leaf length of onion was recorded in plants spaced at a wider spacing [41,42].…”

“…Disregarding the effect of N rates, significantly longest onion plants were obtained from intra-row spacing of 15 cm and comparatively shortest plants were observed at intra-row spacing of 7.5 cm which was statistically at par with 10 cm intra-row spacing (Table 2). In agreement to the current finding, author [36] reported tallest onion plant from 10 cm intra-row spacing than plants grown at 7.5 cm and 5 cm at Aksum, northern Ethiopia. Auther [37] also found tallest plant at 25 cm intra-row spacing than at 15 cm intra-row spacing.…”

Farmyard manure and intra-row spacing on yield and yield components of Adama Red onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivar under irrigation in Gewane District, Afar Region, Ethiopia

“…Sing and Sing (2003) reported that, large size bulbs exhibited the highest weight loss compared to smaller sized bulbs. In agreement with the present result, Kahsay et al (2013) reported that weight loss and rotting of bulbs from the widest spacing (10 cm) and the least spacing (5 cm) were greater than that of the middle one (7.5 cm). Similarly, Bosekeng (2012) (Table 4).…”

“…Kahsay et al (2013) observed that as intra-row spacing increased from 5 to 10 cm, marketable bulb yield decreased from 34.49 to 28.1 t ha -1…”

Characterization of pre- and postharvest losses of tomato supply chain in Ethiopia

“…In most developing countries such as Ethiopia, roads are not adequate for proper transport of horticultural crops, while transport vehicles and other modes, especially those suited for fresh horticultural perishables, are in short supply. Moreover, the extent of losses is significantly influenced by preharvest conditions and field operations such as cultivar and soil types, crop management practices, poor weather conditions, insect pest control programs and harvesting as well as packaging and handling practices [21].…”