ISHS Acta Horticulturae 143: VIII African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
REVIEW OF RESEARCH ON ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) SEED PRODUCTION IN THE SUDAN |
| Author: | A. Nourai |
| Abstract:
Increasing demand for onions to satisfy domestic consumption, dehydration and export necessitates an expansion of areas grown for seed production. Review of research work on onion seed production during the last twelve years indicated that cultural practices had marked effects on onion seed yields. Generally high onion seed yields were obtained from planting early in the winter season (November to early December). Appreciable increases on onion seed yields were observed as result of application of 86 kg N/ha or a combination of 43 kg N + 43 kg P2 O5 + 19 tons of animal manure/ ha. Investigations on plant population showed that high plant density (double rows/ridge, 20 or 35 cm between row spacing on flat beds planting or close in-row spacing of 15 or 25 cm) gave better yields than low plant density. High yields were associated with the use of large and medium-size bulbs and frequent irrigation (every 4 or 8 days). Comparison of results obtained from experiments conducted at different sites (mainly Kassala, New Halfa and Medani) indicated that the northern region is best suited for onion production because it is characterized by relatively cool dry winters, fertile soils, water availability and experienced farmers. It is suggested that emphasis on future research should be directed to pests, diseases and weed control. | |
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