Identification of Superior Genotypes for Yield and Quality in Multiplier Onion

Background: Multiplier onion is one of the most important crops of Tamil Nadu. It is having lot of health benefits like anti-inflammatory, anti cholesterol, anticancer and antioxidant properties, lowering the toxigenicity of oils. It also shows chemo preventive effects and lowers down the risk of effect on gastric cancer. Considering the importance of multiplier onion an attempt was made to evaluate the multiplier onion genotypes to identify the best yielding genotype.

Methods: Seven genotypes of multiplier onion (Allium cepa var aggregatum) were evaluated under Northern transitional zone of Karnataka at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad both during Kharif and Rabi for yield and quality parameters.

Results: The outcome of the experiment revealed that over the seasons, the genotype MP16-24 was registered highest total yield (167.86 q/ha), marketable yield (160.41q/ha), TSS (15.41), average bulb weight (4.64g)and less number of bolters, low infestation of thrips (7.83) and purple blotch (7.66). Therefore, the genotype MP 16-24 can be commercially grown under Dharwad conditions during both Kharif and Rabi because of its favorable characters.