ISHS Acta Horticulturae 358: International Symposium on Alliums for the Tropics
ONION PRODUCTION IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA |
| Author: | G.C. Wiles |
| Abstract:
Traditionally, production of edible alliums in Papua New Guinea has consisted mainly of bunching onions grown for their green leaves. In the highlands the large-leafed A. fistulosum predominates. In lowland areas shallots (A. cepa var. ascalonicum) are much more common. Bulb onions have become popular with the urban population, and imports have now reached 2 000 t/yr. The government has embarked on a programme to increase local production to replace imports. Varieties have been identified which give acceptable yield in both lowland and highland areas. Lowland production is distinctly seasonal while in the highlands year-round production appears possible. The main constraints to production appear to be disease (especially purple blotch, Alternaria porri) and short storage life of existing cultivars. Work on disease control and variety screening for improved yield and quality is continuing. | |
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