Evaluation of onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties for adaptability, yield performance, and Leaf spot disease

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an important crop worldwide and an indispensable and important vegetable item which is used in every kitchen therefore its constant demand always remains throughout the year.  In Ethiopia, demand of onion is in increasing rate which is being imbalance with its production. Due to this reason, the price inflation became triple fold when compared to the last decade. The study aims to obtain variety with adoptions that are able to grow and produce optimal yield and resistance to disease, which can improve farmers welfare reduce dependence on red onion imports.  Six varieties including local materials was subjected to evaluation; are Nanthus, Adama red, Bombe red, Nafis, Nasik red and local variety was sown on seed bed by using randomized completely block design (RCBD) fashion with three replications. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis software (SAS) version. 9.0. The mean separation of the varieties was done with least significant differences (LSD). The parameters observed consist of the growth and productions of onion plants. The result of the analysis showed that a highly significant (P < 0.05) effect of variety on total bulb yield. The highest total bulb yield were obtained from adama red (40.13 t ha-1 followed by Bombey red (39.166 t ha-1). so those improved onion varieties were recommended for the study area and areas of similar agro-ecological zones under off season and over years growing conditions.