Effect of age of seedling and plant density on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the AKS University, Satna (M.P.) during rabi season 2016-17 to study the effect of age of seedling and plant density on growth, yield and quality of onion. Amongst the plant densities, 20x20 cm recorded significantly higher growth parameters, yield-attributes, bulb yield, TSS and protein contents in bulb and economical gain from onion var. Pusa Red. The maximum bulb yield was 274.40q/ha, TSS 11.80 0Brix, bulb protein 3.25%. The net income was up to Rs. 84898/ha with B: C ratio 2.62. Transplanting of 45-days old seedlings recorded significantly higher bulb yield 290.47q/ha. TSS 12.42 0Brix, bulb protein 3.19%. The net income was up to Rs. 92935/ha with B: Cratio 2.77. Amongst the treatment interactions, the crop grown under plant density of 20x20 cm combined with transplanting of 45-days age of seedlings resulted in highest bulb yield up to 294.45 q/ha, TSS 12.84 0Brix, bulb protein 3.31%. The net income was up to Rs. 94925/ha with B: C ratio 2.81.