onion

Onion Area Under Cultivation The major onion producing states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Orissa, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Punjab and Rajashan.

Botanical Name : Allium cepa Family : Amaryllidaceae Plant Discription : It is a bulbous biennial plant with cylindrical green leaves 60 to 75 cm in height arising from a single point in the ground called as neck

Centre of Origin : Iran and Pakistan Pollination System : Cross pollinated Chromosome No. : 2n=16 Nutritional Levels : Moisture (%)

Protein (%)

Fat (%)

Mineral matter (%)

Fibre (%)

Carbohydrate (%)

Calories (K Cal)

86.6

1.2

0.1

0.4

0.6

11.1

50

Phosphorus (mg/100g)

Potassium (mg/100g)

Calcium (mg/100g)

Magnesium (mg/100g)

Iron (mg/100g)

Sodium (mg/100g)

Copper (mg/100g)

50

127

46.9

16

0.6

4

0.18

Manganese (mg/100g)

Zinc (mg/100g)

Sulphur (mg/100g)

Chlorine (mg/100g)

Molybdium (mg/100g)

Cromium (mg/100g)

0.18

0.41

0

0

0.03

0.009

Carotene (mg/100g)

Thiamine (mg/100g)

Riboflavin (mg/100g)

Niacin (mg/100g)

Vitamin C (mg/100g)

Choline (mg/100g)

Folic acid-Free (mg/100g)

0

0.08

0.01

0.4

11

0

15

Minerals

Vitamins

Folic acid- Total (mg/100g) 6

Onion Disorders Bolting in Onion Under this condition bulbs become light and fibrous and show very poor keeping quality. Bolting may occur due to heredity differences in variety, extreme fluctuations in temperature, stunted growth of plants in seed beds, poor seed quality, and very low temperature in the beginning of the growth favours bolting.

Splittings and Doubling of Bulbs Adverse climatic conditions and imbalanced nutrient supply leads to splitting and doubling of bulbs.

Mechanical injury to plant during hoeing and weeding initiates new growth and causes splitting and doubling of bulbs.

Onion Harvesting Onion is harvested depending upon the purpose for which the crop is planted. 0nion crop is ready for harvesting in five months for dry onion. However, for marketing as green onion, the crop becomes ready in three months after transplanting When the bulbs developing from the leaf bases of onions are fully formed, the leafy green tops begin to yellow and eventually collapse at a point a little above the top of the bulb, leaving an upright short neck.

When the tops "go down" in this way, the bulbs are ready for harvesting. Because all the onions in a crop do not mature at the same time, large-scale commercial growers harvest them when about half the tops have gone down.

In kharif season, since tops do not fall, bulbs are harvested soon after the colour of leaves changes to slightly yellow and red pigmentation on bulbs develop. Best time to harvest rabi onion is one week after 50% tops have fallen over. Onions for sale as dried bulbs or for storage should be harvested progressively after tops have started falling over.

Since onion bulbs are normally formed at the soil surface, it is sometimes possible in sandy soils to pull the mature bulbs by hand. Where conditions make hand pulling impossible, crop is harvested by loosening the bulbs with a fork or hoe before lifting them. The harvested crop is left in windrows in the field for a few days until the tops are dry. The windrows should be made so that the green tops cover the bulbs to protect them from sunburn. The leaves are cut leaving about 2-2.5 cm tops above the bulb after complete drying. This practice helps to increase the dry matter content. If tops are cut too close, the neck does not close well and provides entry for decay organisms.

Early harvest results in sprouting of the bulbs and late harvest results in formation of secondary roots during storage. In kharif season, late harvesting results in doubles and bolting.

Yield Irrigated onion crop in rabi season gives an yield of 25-30 t/ha while under rainfed conditions it yields only about 0.7-1.0 t/ha. Onion raised as an intercrop in sugarcane and turmeric, in alleys of young fruit garden and banana garden, gives a yield of 5-9 t/ha. The small sized, pungent, local cluster type onion yields half as compared to the large sized varieties.

Onion Intercultural Operations Weed Control The field should be kept weed-free, especially in the initial stage of plant growth, as weeds compete with the crop and reduce the yield drastically. Being closely planted and a shallow rooted crop, hand weeding particularly when crop is in full vegetative stage, is difficult and expensive. It is recommended to use weedicide along with one hand weeding at critical stage. Application of Fluchloralin or Oxyfluorfen @ 15ml/10 litres of water 3 days after transplanting followed by one hand weeding 45 days after transplanting effectively controls the weed population. Alternatively, application of Pendimethalin (3.5 litres/ha) immediately after transplanting and before the first irrigation coupled with one hand weeding gives the best results.

Rotation and Mixed Cropping Onion crop should follow the vegetable crops such as cauliflower, tomato and potato, which require large quantities of organic manures. As a winter crop, it follows cereals, groundnut and cowpea while as a summer crop it follows paddy. When cultivated as monsoon or late monsoon crop, coriander, french bean, sorghum, pearl millet, chillies, and groundnut are planted after harvesting onion. During the initial five months after planting sugarcane, onion is grown as an inter-crop.

Onion Irrigation The onion crop is irrigated immediately after transplanting. Frequent and light irrigations at weekly interval results in good bulb development and increased yield. In kharif season, depending upon the rains, 8-10 irrigations are sufficient. Late kharif crop requires 12-15 irrigations while for rabi season crop 15-20 irrigations are given. At bulb formation, irrigation is necessary as moisture stress at this stage results in low yield, splitting and forced maturity. For kharif season crop, irrigation should be stopped 10 days before harvesting. In rabi season it should be stopped when tops mature and start falling. Last irrigation given 10-15 days before harvesting reduces storage losses.

Onion Manuring & Fertilization The fertilizer dose depends upon the fertility of soil and amount of organic manure applied to the crop.

Generally, application of 100-150 kg N, 40-80 kg P2O5 and 0-125 Kg K2O per hectare is recommended.

Specific fertilizer recommendations for different varieties/areas are given belowArea

Variety/Season

Fertilizer Doses (kg/ha) N P K

Maharashtra Rahuri Nasik

N-53 (Kharif) Agrifound Light Red (Rabi)

150 100

60 25

00 25

Pusa Red (Rabi) Agrifound Light Red (Rabi)

150 100

40 50

50 50

Pusa Red (Rabi)

150

60

60

Punjab Selection (Rabi)

100

50

50

Ratna Red (Rabi)

80

00

00

Arka Kalyan (Kharif) Arka Pragati and Arka Niketan (Rabi)

100

80

50

100

80

50

Haryana Karnal Karnal

Madhya Pradesh Jabalpur

Punjab Ludhiana

Bihar Sabour

Karnataka Hesarghatta

Normally, 25t/ha of FYM should be applied one month before transplanting/planting or sowing and mixed well in the soil. In bulblet method of planting, whole quantity of phosphorus, potash and half of nitrogen should be mixed in the soil before transplanting. The balance half of nitrogen should be given as top dressing 20-25 days after planting. In case of transplanting method, the top dressing is taken up nd in two split doses and first dose should be applied at 30 days after transplanting whereas 2 dose at 45 days after transplanting. The top dressing must be completed before initiation of bulbing.

Micronutrient deficiencies are not observed if sufficient quantities of organic manures are applied into the soil. However, in case of deficiencies specific micronutrient should be applied based on the soil analysis.

Onion Pests Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci): Thrips are the most important insect pests on onions. Adults are yellowish to yellowish brown with narrow wings. Eggs are laid in clusters in leaf tissues.

Numerous nymphs and adults are observed between leaf sheaths and stems lacerating the epidermis of leaves and sucking the exuding cell sap. The affected leaves show silvery blotches which later turn into brownish colour.

The leaves get distorted from tips downwards and plant ultimately wilt and dry away. Seedlings are killed due to heavy infestation and the plant growth is retarded. The shape and size of bulbs as well as yield is affected by thrips.

Control: Soil application of Phorate or Carbofuran granules (1kg a.i./ha) is also recommended.

Alternate spraying of 0.07% Endosulphan (2ml/litre of water), or 0.07% Nuvacron (2ml/litre of water) or 0.01% Cypermethrin (1ml/litre of water) along with a sticker (Triton or Sandovit) at fortnightly intervals controls the insect.

Head Borer (Helicoverpa armigera): The head borer is a serious pest of onion seed crop in Northern India. The larva of this insect cuts the pedicel of the flower and feeds on the stalk. Single larva damages many flower stalks. The fully-grown larva is greenish with dark brown grey lines along the side of body and measures about 35-45 mm in length.

Control: Spraying Endosulfan (2-3 ml/litre of water) along with sticker (Triton/ Sandovit) is recommended to control the insect.

Onion Maggot (Hylemia antiqua): The adults of die insect appear like housefly. The flies lay their eggs on old leaves or on soil and larva enters into soil and damage disc portion of onion bulb. Infested plants turn yellowish brown and finally dry up. The affected bulbs rot in storage.

Control: Regular crop rotation should be followed and Thimet should be applied in the soil before transplanting.

Cutworms (Agrotis ipsilon): The larvae of this insect are seen in nursery beds and newly transplanted onion fields. The tender plants are found damped at ground level during the night Young larvae feed gregariously on foliage but later segregate and enter into soil. Young larvae are yellowish grey and later on become brown, greasy to touch and coil when disturbed. They cut the seedlings at ground level during night and hide during day.

Control: Soil application of Carbofuran (1kg a.i./ha) at the time of planting is recommended.

Chlorpyriphos (5ml/litre of water) also gives good control of this pest.

Onion Post Harvest Technology Curing The only post-harvest treatment required for the long storage of bulb onions is a thorough curing of the bulbs. Curing is a drying process intended to dry off the necks and outer scale leaves of the bulbs to prevent the loss of moisture and the attack by decay during storage. The essentials for curing are heat and good ventilation, preferably with low humidity. This dries out the neck and the two or three outer layers of the bulb. The outermost layer, which may be contaminated with soil, usually falls away easily when the bulbs are cured, exposing the dry under-layer, which should have an attractive appearance. Onions are considered cured when neck is tight and the outer scales are dried until they rustle. This condition is reached when onions have lost 3 to 5% of their weight.

If onions cannot be dried in the field, they can be collected in trays, which are then stacked in a warm, covered area with good ventilation.

In cool, damp climates, onions in bulk ventilated stores are dried with artificial heat blown through the bulk at a duct temperature of 30 degrees Celsius.

Onions can also be cured by tying the tops of the bulbs in bunches and hanging them on a horizontal pole in a well-ventilated shades. Curing in shade improves bulb colour and reduces losses significantly during storage

Grading Onions after curing are graded manually before they go in to storage or for marketing. The thick neck, bolted, doubles, injured and decayed bulbs are picked out so also misshapen small bulbs. Sorting and grading is done after storage also to fetch better price. The outer dry scales usually rub off during the grading process, giving the onions a better appearance for market. It has been experienced that if storage is arranged after proper sorting and grading losses in storage are reduced.

For local market the onions are graded based on their size.

Extra large onion (>6 cm dia.)

Medium (4-6 cm dia.)

Small (2-4 cm dia.)

The extra large onions have great demand and fetches very good price.

General Characteristics The bulbs shall: 1. be reasonably uniform in shape, size colour and pungency of the variety /type 2. be mature, solid in feel, reasonably firm with tough clinging skins.

3. be throughout cured and dried.

4. be free from dust and other foreign material.

5. be free from defective, diseased, decayed and damaged bulbs caused by seed stems, tops 6. oots, moisture, dry sun scald burn, sprouting, mechanical or other injuries and staining.

7. be free from moulds, soft rot and insect attack.

8. % of seed stem or bolted bulbs shall not exceed 20% in Nasik kharif onions.

Bangalore and Krishnapuram onions will be free from bottle necks or doubles.

Grade designations and definitions of quality for export of onions: Type of onion

Colour

Grade

Nasik,Saurashtra Light Red

Extra big

Bellary,Poona

Big

& Nasik

Medium

Diameter (mm)

Defective diseased & damaged bulbs (**maximum % by weight)

60

10

Small

20

10

General

Mixed

10

N.S. grade

20

#

-

B) Dindigul or

Light

Special

"Kar" Podisu or Red onions

PurplePink

Good

10

Bangalore onions

Light

Big

30

Purple to

Medium

20

Purple

Small Mixed

15 Different size but not below 15

Krishnapuram

Light rosy

Big

30

onions

to dark

Medium

25

Small

15

Mixed

Different size but not below 15

Different size but not below 15 1. Tolerance for size in big onions: For accidental errors in sizing, not more than 5 % by weight of the bulbs in any lot may be of next lower grade than the minimum diameter prescribed in Nasik, Saurashtra, Bellary or Poona onions. In case of Podisu, this error in sizing not more than 10 % by weight. In this case, smallest onion in bunch would be taken for measuring the diameter.

2. Defective, diseased and damaged shall mean malformed bulbs and the bulbs internally or externally damaged, diseased or discoloured material affecting the quality. The decayed onions shall not exceed 2% in any lot.

General: The grade shall be allowed to be packed only against irrevocable letter of credit. # NS grade: This is not a grade in its strict sense but has been provided for the onions not covered under regular grade. Onions under this grade shall be exported only against a specific order from foreign buyer inducting the quality.

Packaging Packing should be small for easy handling during transit and may vary according to market demand.

Onions are packed in jute (hessian) bags for transporting to yard or brought as loose. For safe handling, 40 kg open mesh jute bags having 200-300 g weight should be used in domestic market. For export, common big onions are packed in 5-25 kg size open mesh jute bags. Bangalore Rose and multiplier onions are packed for export in 14-15 kg wooden baskets. Nylon net bags, when used for packing have resulted in less storage loss because of good ventilation.

Handling Bulbs intended for storage must be free from cuts and handled with extreme care. Onions should not be dropped on to non-resilient surface from more than 6 feet height. If onions are to be stacked after packing in store or trucks, the better height is 2-2.5 metres. Losses due to rot is reported to be more if onions are stored in gunny bags than in loose or wooden crates.

Storage Proper storage of bulbs is necessary both for consumption and also for seed production. Onions should not be stored unless adequately dried either in the field or by artificial means. It is necessary to dry the neck tissue and outer scales until they rustle when handled otherwise the bulbs will rot in storage. Sprouting in onion is controlled by temperature. The temperature between 10-25째C increases sprouting. Rooting is influenced by relative humidity (RH). More the relative humidity, more is rooting.

Weight loss is more when temperature is above 35째C. Under ambient conditions the onions are stored at a temperature of 30-35OC with RH of 65-70%. In cold storage, temperature is maintained at 0-2째C while the RH is kept at 60-75%.

Sprouting is checked effectively if Maleic Hydrazide at 2500 ppm is sprayed at 75-90 days after transplanting. Effect is, however, more pronounced in kharif season than in rabi season. The storage rots could be checked if proper cleanliness is maintained in store and crop is sprayed with 0.1% Carbendazim after 90 days of transplanting and just before harvest.

In India, the farmers practice different storage methods. The onions are bulk stored in special houses with thatched roof and side walls are made up with bamboo sticks or wire mesh for good air circulation.

In North India, the sides are also covered with gunny cloth. Onions are stored in these sheds by spreading them on dry and damp proof floor or racks. Periodical turning of bulbs or removal of rotten, damaged and sprouted bulbs should be done. Well-ventilated improved storage structures with racks or tiers having two or three layers of bulbs would be desirable for proper storage.

The salient features of improved storage structures are as below1. Construction of storage godown on raised platform helps in reduction of moisture and dampness 2. Use of Mangalore tiles roof or other suitable material prevents built up of high temperature inside.

3. Increased centre height and more slope is better for air circulation and preventing humid microclimate inside godown.

4. Bottom ventilation provides free and faster air circulation to avoid formation of hot and humid pockets between the onion layers.

5. Avoid direct sunlight on onion bulbs to reduce sunscald, fading of colour and quality deterioration.

6. Restriction on width of each stack to 60-70 cm for cool humid weather, 75-90 cm for mild and humid weather and 90-120 cm for mild and dry weather conditions 7. Restriction of stacking height to 100 cm for small and multiplier onion and hot weather and 120 cm for mild weather and for big onion to avoid pressure bruising.

8. Cubicles should be made instead of continuous stack leaving sufficient space for ventilation from all the sides.

9. One cubic metre area of store accommodates about 750 kg onions.

Transport Onion stocks are transported in bullock carts, tractor trolleys and trucks as also railway wagons are used for longer distance movement within the country. Onions are transported in ventilated ships as well as sailing vessels / motorboats for export to Gulf and South-East Asian countries. It is also shipped in 3.5m containers or 7m containers by loading on ships.

Onion Planting Land Preparation The field is ploughed to fine tilth by giving four to five ploughing with a sufficient interval between two ploughing. The ploughing should be shallow as most of the onion roots penetrate to a depth of not more than- 5-6 cm. Planking should be done for proper levelling. The field is then divided into beds and channels.

Method of Planting Seedlings obtained from seed sown nursery are usually transplanted in flat beds of size 1.5 x 4 m. In kharif crop 6-7 week old seedlings are transplanted whereas 8-9 weeks old seedlings are used for rabi crop.

Generally, for kharif season, seedlings are transplanted on flat beds at a spacing of 15 x 10 cm while for rabi crop spacing of 10 x 10 cm is adopted.

If bulblets are used for planting, ridges are prepared at 30-45 cm distance and bulblets of kharif onion are planted at 10-12 cm distance. Bulblets with 2-2.5 cm diameter are ideal for planting. For planting one hectare area 750 kg of medium sized bulbs are required.

Irrigation should be given immediately after transplanting. In some parts of the country, beds are first irrigated and then the seedlings are transplanted.

Broadcasting in Beds/Direct Sowing: Seeds of big onion are sown directly in lines (30 cm apart) in parts of Chitradurga, Bellary and Dharwar districts of Karnataka, which are thinned later to give proper spacing for development of bulbs. Seeds of small onion (Bangalore Rose, Agrifound Rose and Arka Bindu) are broadcasted in small flat beds which are thinned later. For broadcasting directly in the field or sowing in the row, 20-25 kg seeds per hectare are used. In the plains, seeds are sown in lines 30 cm apart during September-October. After sowing, hand hoeing is done to allow the seeds to reach to a depth of 2.5-3 cm. Hand watering or light irrigation is given immediately after covering the seeds. Weeding is recommended at 10 days interval for preventing smoothering of seedlings by weeds.

Onion Propagation Nursery Bed Preparation Onion seeds are sown on nursery beds to raise seedlings for transplanting in the field. Raised beds of size 3 x 0.6 m and 10-15 cm in height are prepared. About 70 cm distance is kept between two beds to carry out operations of watering, weeding, etc. The surface of beds should be smooth and well levelled.

Raised beds are necessary to avoid problem of water logging in heavy soils. In sandy soils, however, sowing can be taken up in flat beds. To avoid mortality of seedlings due to damping off, drenching of the beds with Bavistin (15-20 g/10 litres of water) is effective.

Season of Planting The sowing and transplanting time in different areas are as followsState/Season

Month of sowing

Month of transplanting

Kharif

May-June

July-August

Late Kharif or early Rabi

August-September

September-October

Rabi

November-December

December-January

Maharashtra & Gujarat.

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and A. P Early kharif

February-April

April-June

Kharif

May-June

July-August

Rabi

September-October

November-December

Rajastahn, Haryana Punjab, U. P & Bihar Kharif

May-June

July-August

Rabi

October November

December-January

Kharif

June-July

August-September

Late kharif

August-September

October-November

West Bengal & Orissa

Raising of Seedlings In case of common big onion, 8-10 kg seeds are sufficient for raising nursery required to plant one hectare. Thus 100-110 beds of size 3 x 0.6m would be required for sowing 8-10 kg seeds. Prior to sowing seeds are treated with fungal culture of Trichoderma viride (4 g/ kg of seed) or Thiram (2g/kg of seed) to avoid damage from damping-off disease. Sowing should be done thinly in lines spaced at 5-7

cm distance. Seeds are sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and covered with a fine layer of soil followed by light watering by water can. The beds should then be covered with dry straw or grass or sugarcane leaves to maintain required temperature and moisture. The watering should be done by water can as per the need till germination is completed. The cover of dry straw or grass is removed immediately after germination is complete.

The seedlings are ready for transplanting within 6-7 weeks of planting for kharif and 8-9 weeks old for rabi.

Raising small Bulblets: This method is used for getting early crop in the kharif season so as to meet the demand of green onion for salad in early winter. For this purpose, small onion bulblets of kharif onion varieties like Agrifound Dark Red, Baswant 780, N-53 and Arka Kalyan raised in the previous season are used for planting.

Raised beds or flat beds are prepared depending upon the soil type. To cover one square metre area of the bed 15 g of seed are sufficient. . The best time of sowing of seeds for getting quality bulblets is mid January to the beginning of February depending upon the area. The plants are left in the nursery bed up to April-May till their tops fall. Harvesting is done along with the tops and selected bulblets (1.5 to 2.00 cm in dia.) are stored by hanging method till July in a well-ventilated house. Such well stored bulblets are used for transplanting in the Kharif season

Onion Soil & Climate Climate The onion is cool season crop, tolerant to frost in the young stage but less sensitive to heat. It is well adapted to a temperature range of 13-250C. A temperature range of 15-210C before bulbing is 0 required for its good vegetative growth whereas a temperature of 20-25 C is considered ideal for bulb development. Very low temperatures in the beginning favours physiological disorder called bolting.

Sudden rise in temperature favours early maturity of the crop in rabi and results in small size of bulbs.

At least 10 hours light with favorable temperature is essential for growth, development and bulbing.

Onion thrives well in places, which receive an average rainfall of 750-1000 mm during monsoon.

Soil Onions can be grown on all types of soil such as sandy loam, silt loam and heavy clay soils.

However, deep friable, highly fertile sandy loam to clay soil rich in humus is considered as ideal.

Sandy soil needs frequent irrigation and favours early maturity. Whereas heavy soils restrict the development of bulbs and the crop matures late as compared to light soils. A pH range between 5.8-6.5 is considered as optimum. Good drainage is essential as water-logging results in total failure of the crop.

Onion Varieties Recommended Onion Varieties National Research Centre for Onion and Garlic (Now Directorate of Onion & Garlic Research) has developed seven new improved onion varieties as follows with high yield and quality potential.

Bhima Raj The variety Bhima Raj (B­780­5­2­2, IC No. 561257) The variety Bhima Raj produces dark red and oval shaped bulbs with single centre and thin neck. The TSS range is from 10.0 to 11.0%. This variety is suitable for kharif and late kharif season in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat. It can be cukltivated during rabi season and has been identified in XXVth AICRP (VC) group meeting held at Hissar for zone VI (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Delhi). The Bhima Raj matures within 120­125 days after transplanting with absolutely no bolters with average yield ranges from 25­30 t/ha with high percentage of marketable bulbs during rabi. The highest yield potential is 40­45 t/ha.

Bhima Red Bhima Red (B­780­5­3­1, IC No. 561258) has been developed through bulb to row selection method. Bhima Red is suitable for late kharif in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat. It can be growth in Kharif season also. Bulbs are attractive red in coloure with round shape. TSS ranged from 10.0 to 11.0%. Average yield in late kharif season ranged from 48.0­52.0 t/ha. Bolters ae less than 5% during late kharif and almost no bolters during rabi. It can be stored upto 4 months during late kharif season.This variety can be grown during ravi season also for immediate marketing as it can be stored up to 3 months duringrabi. It was identified at National level for Zone VII (Maharashtra & M.P) at XXVI AICRP (VC) group meeting 09 at Coimbatore for rabi season. It matures in about 115­120 days during late kharif and rabi season after transplanting.

Bhima Super Bhima Super (IC No. 561259) has developed from a base population of cultivar B­780 by exercising selection pressure for single centered bulbs by following eight cycles of selection and attaining 95% of single centered bulbs. Bhima Super is suitable for kharif season and can be cultivated during late kharif cultivation in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat. The variety possesses round bulbs with tapering towards neck. The TSS is from 10­11%. The variety produces quality bulbs with maximum number of single centered bulbs with an average yield of 26­28 t/ha in kharif and 40 to 45 t/ha in late kharif cultivation. Bulbs attains maturity after 110­115 days.

Bhima Kiran Bhima Kiran (RO­597) (IC No. 572766) was identified at National level for release during 1 st AINRPOG group meeting at CITH, Srinagar during 2010 for two zones viz. Zone III (Delhi, UP, Haryana, Bihar and Punjab) and VI (Maharashtra, Karnataka and AP) for rabi season. Bulb attains immediate light red colour after harvest.

Bulbs are oval to round in shape, have very less number of bolters and doubles in rabi (less than 5%), thin neck, TSS 12%, good keeping quality suitable for storage upto 5­6 months. Matures in 130 days after transplanting. The average marketable yield potential is upto 41.5 t/ha during rabi season with national average yield of 30.3 t/ha.

Bhima Shakti Bhima Shakti (1156) ( IC No. 572769) was identified at National level for released during 2 nd AINPROG group meeting at Ooty (TNAU, Coimbatore) during 2011 for four zones viz. Zone III (Delhi, UP, Haryana, Bihar and Punjab), Zone IV (Rajasthan and Gujarat), Zone V (MP, Chhattisgarh and Orissa) and zone VI (Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) for late kharif as well as rabi season. Bulbs attains immediate attractive red colour after harvest. Shape is round. Very less number of bolters 2.15% & 0.36% and doubles 5.69% & 1.38% during late kharif and rabi season, respectively. TSS 11.8%. Small to medium neck thickness, uniform neck fall during rabi and more than 70% neck fall during late kharif. Very good storage life. Bulbs mature in 130 days after transplanting during late kharif and rabi season. It is tolerant to thrips. Marketable yield during late kharif is 45.9 t/ha and during rabi 42.7 t/ha in Mahareashtra with national average yield of 29.18t/ha during rabi season.

Bhima Shweta Bhima Shweta (White El. Comp. Selection/ NRCWO­2) (IC No. 572761) was identified at National Level for release during IInd AINPOG group meeting at Ooty (TNAU, Coimbatore) during 2011 for three zones viz., Zone III (Delhi, UP, Haryana, Bihar and Punjab), Zone V (MP, Chhattisgarh and Orissa) and Zone VI (Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) for ravi season. Bulbs are attractive white in colour, round in shape, very less number of bolters and doubles less than 3% in rabi season, thin neck, TSS 11.5%, matures in 110­115 day after transplanting during rabi, medium in keeping quality upto 3 months during rabi season.

Average marketable yield during rabi season is 35.9 t/ha with national average yield of 28.2 t/ha. It is tolerant to thrips.

Bhima Shubra Bhima Shubra (w­009) (IC No. 572763) released at institute level during 2010 for kharif and late kharif season for Maharashtra region. Bulbs are attractive white in colour ,oval to round in shape bulb, have less number of bolters up to 6% during late kharif and no bolters during kharif and doubles less than 3% in late kharif and krarif season, thin neck, TSS 10.4% in kharif and 11.7% in late kharif, matures in 112 day after transplanting during kharif and 125 days in late kharif. bulbs can be stored for 2­3 months during late kharif. It has capacity to tolerate environmental fluctuation, hence can be cultivated in all the three seasons. Average marketable yield during kharif is 24.16 t/ha and during late kharif 38.9 t/ha can fill the gap for processing from October to February.

Name of the variety/source and Characteristics Red coloured bulbs Punjab Selection

PAU, Ludhiana Bulbs red, globular in shape and measure 5­6 cm dia, average weight 50­70 g. Bulbs are quite firm with good keeping quality. The TSS is about 14%. Average yield is 20 t/ ha. Recommended for rabi season.

Pusa Red IARI, New Delhi Bulb medium in size, average weight 70­90 g, bronze red in colour, flat to globular shaped and less pungent.

Keeping quality is good. Plants mature in 140­145 days after transplanting. TSS is about 12­ 13%. Average yield is 25 t/ha. It can be grown both in late kharif and rabi season in Maharashtra. Suitable for export purpose.

N­2­4­1 NIPHAD Average bulb diameter 4­6 cm, brick red colour, shade globular, pungent in taste. Keeping quality good, plants mature in 140­145 days after transplanting. TSS is about 12­13%. Average yield is 30­35 t/ha. Suitable for export purpose.

Pusa Madhavi IARI, New Delhi Bulbs medium to large in size, light red in colour and flattish round in shape. Keeping quality is good, plant mature in 130­145 days after transplanting. The average yield potential is 30 t/ha. Recommended for rabi season. Suitable for export purpose.

Arka Niketan IIHR, Bangalore Bulbs globular with thin neck, attractive colour, 4­6 cm in size. TSS is 12­14%, pungency and dry matter also high. Good keeping quality. Plant mature in 145 days after transplanting. The average yield is 34 t/ha.

Though, it is recommended for rabi season mainly, it can be grown in late kharif also in Maharashtra.

Arka Kalyan IIHR, Bangalore Bulbs globose shaped, 4­6 cm size with deep pink coloured outer scales and fleshy succulent concentric internal scales. TSS is 11­12%. Average keeping quality, matures in 100­110 days after transplanting.

Average yield is 33.5 t/ha.

Agrifound Dark Red NHRDF, Nasik Bulbs are dark red, globular in shape, 4­6 cm in size with tight skin, moderately pungent. TSS is 12­ 13%.

Plant matures in 95­110 days after transplanting. Yield is 30­40 t/ha. Average keeping quality. Recommended for kharif season. Suitable for export purpose.

Agrifound Light Red NHRDF, Nasik The bulbs are of globular shape with tight skin, light red colour and 4­6 cm in size. TSS is 13%. It has good keeping quality. Plants mature in 160­165 days after sowing. Average yield is 30­32.5 t/ha. Recommended for growing during rabi all over country. It can be grown in late kharif season also in Nasik district of Maharashtra.

Akra Pragati IIHR, Bangalore.

The variety has attractive pink coloured, globe shaped bulbs of uniform size with thin neck pungency and early maturity. It matures in 140­145 days after sowing. It yields about 20 t/ha.

N­53 NIPHAD It is very popular for growing during kharif season all over the country. Bulbs are flattish round in shape, red in

colour, medium to large in size and mildly pungent. TSS is 11­12%. Poor keeping quality. Ready for harvest in 90­100 days after transplanting. Average yield is 25 t/ha. Suitable for export purpose.

Baswant­780 MPAU, Rahuri Bulbs are flattish round in shape, red in colour, medium to large in size and mildly pungent. TSS is 11­ 12%.

Keeping quality is poor. Ready for harvest in 90­100 days after transplanting. Average yield is 25 t/ha.

Suitable for kharif season in Maharashtra.

Udaipur 101 RAU, Bikaner, Udiapur.

Bulbs are deep red, flattish globular sweet with less pungency. TSS is 12­14%. Plants mature in 150­ 160 days from sowing. Average yield is 20­30 t/ha. The variety is recommended for growing in Rajasthan and other adjoining states during rabi season.

Yellow coloured bulbs Early Grano IARI, New Delhi It produces globular bulbs of yellow colour with very pungency, size 7­8 cm. Crop matures in 95­110 days.

TSS is 6­7%, poor in storage. Average yield is 500­60 t/ha. Suitable for cultivation in plains during kharif and rabi seasons for salad purpose.

Spanish Brown RS,IARI, Katrain, Kullu.

Long day variety. The bulbs are attractive grown in colour with mild pungency. TSS is 13­14%. Crop matures in 160­180 days and ready for harvesting during August­September. Good in storage at hills. Average yield is 28­30 t/ha.

Phule Suvarna MPKV, Rahuri (M.S.) Suitable for year round cultivation. Yellow coloured variety suitable for export to Europe, Australia and America. Bulbs size medium­big. Less pungent, TSS is 11.5%, excellent keeping quality (4­6 months), suitable for late kharif and rabi season. Average yield is 24 t/ha.

White coloured bulbs Pusa White Round IARI, New Delhi Bulbs are white in colour and roundish flat in shape. TSS 12­13% and drying ratio 8:1. Crop matures in 130­ 135 days after transplanting. Yield is 30­32.5 t/ha. Good for storage.

Pusa White Flat IARI, New Delhi Bulbs are attractive white, flattish round with 12­14% TSS and drying ratio 9:1. Plants mature in 130­ 135 days after transplanting. Good for storage.

Udaipur­102 RAU, Bikaner Campus, Udaipur The bulbs are white in colour, round to flat in shape with low percentage of small bulbs. Size is 4.5­6.5 cm.

Matures in 120 days after transplanting. TSS is about 12%. Average yield is 30­35 t/ha.

Phule Safed MPKV, Rahuri.

Bulb globular in shape with white colour, TSS is 13%. Suitable for dehydration. Average yield is 25­30 t/ha.

N­257­9­1 MPKV, Rahuri Bulbs are globular shaped and white colour. Good keeping quality. Suitable as a rabi crop in onion growing regions of Maharashtra. Average yield is 25 t/ha.

Agrifound White NHRDF, Nasik.

The bulbs are globular in shape with tight skin, silvery attractive white colour and 4­6 cm diameter. TSS is 14­ 15%, good keeping quality. Plant matures in 160­165 days after sowing. Average yield is 20­25 t/ha, suitable for kharif and rabi season. Good variety for dehydration purpose and export purpose.

Small Common Onion Agrifound Rose NHRDF, Chickballapur, Karnataka.

The variety is pickling type, grown exclusively for export. Bulbs are flattish round in shape, deep scarlet red in colour and 2.5­3.5 cm size. It matures in 95­110 days from sowing. TSS is 15­16%, Average yield is 19­20 t/ha. Suitable for kharif season in Cuddapah district and all the three season in Karnataka.

Arka Bindu IIHR, Bangalore Bulbs are deep pink colour, small size (2.5­3.5 cm) of flattish globe shape. Bulbs free from premature bolters and splits and have high pungency. TSS is 14­16%. Plant matures in 100 days from sowing. Average yield is 25 t/ha. Suitable for export purpose.

Multiplier Onion Co­1 TNAU, Coimbatore Medium sized bulbets of red colour, 7­8 bulblets per plant. Average weight of bulblets 55­60 g per clump.

Yield 10 t/ha. Cultivated throughout Tamil Nadu. Plants mature in 90 days. Fairly pungent with medium TSS.

Co­2 TNAU, Coimbatore Moderately bigger size bulblets of crimson colour, 7­9 bulblets per plant. Bulb weight is 60­65 g per clump.

Shorter duration than Co­1 i.e. 65 days. Yield is 12 t/ha, pungent with high TSS. Cultivated throughout Tamil Nadu. Good for storage. Moderately resistant to thrips and Alternaria blight.

MDU­1 TNAU, Coimbatore Uniform and big size bulbs of bright red colour, adapted in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, weight 75 per clump. 10­11 bulblets per plant. Yield is 15 t/ha. Plants mature in 60­75 days. Better keeping quality. Tolerant to lodging due to thick erect leaves.

Agrifound Red NHRDF, Dindigul Average bulb size 7.15 cm and weight is 65­67 g. Number of bulblets per clump 5.79 (average). Size of bulblets is 3.94 cm, and weight of single bulblet is 8.85 g. The colour is light red. TSS is 15­16%. It matures in 65­67 days after planting. Yield is 18­20 t/ha.