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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research
Effects of mother bulb size, plant population, nitrogen and irrigation
on seed yield of onion in northern Sudan
A. H. Nourai, E. M. A. El Fahal and A.S. Maximous
Abstract:
A study was conducted at two locations (Hudeiba and Shendi Research Stations) in northern Sudan for three consecutive seasons to evaluate the effects of mother bulb size, plant population, nitrogen and frequency of irrigation on seed yield and seed yield components of the red onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. ‘Saggai’. Each of these factors was studied at two levels; the recommended and the farmer’s practice. Results indicated that the large-size mother bulbs consistently increased onion seed yield at both locations. However, the effect of large-size mother bulbs was higher at Hudeiba where 39 % yield increase was recorded as compared to 19 % yield increase at Shendi. That was mainly due to an increased number of umbels per plant at both locations, and an increased seed yield per plant at Hudeiba site. Effects of high plant density and recommended nitrogen level on seed yield were significant only at Hudeiba site. The increase in seed yield due to high level of nitrogen was associated with an increased seed yield per plant. Frequent irrigation resulted in an appreciable increase in seed yield at both locations, particularly at Hudeiba. Comparison of the three seasons mean seed yield, of plants irrigated every 7 days with that of plants irrigated every 14 days revealed 40 and 24 percent increases in seed yield at Hudeiba and Shendi respectively. Seed yield increases were attributed to the increased number of umbels and seed yield per plant.
Keywords:
Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 4(2004) PP. 19-25
