Research Article
Demonstration of Onion Seed Production Technologies Under Irrigated Condition of Upper and Middle Awash Areas of Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
1-14
Received:
2 December 2024
Accepted:
13 December 2024
Published:
21 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjams.20251301.11
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Abstract: The onion (Allium cepa L.) is a biennial vegetable crop of the Alliaceae family, demanding high-quality seeds for successful cultivation. The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) has prioritized onion as one of the key crops for research and development, aiming to improve yield and quality through the distribution of improved varieties and production technologies. In Ethiopia, the informal sector plays a crucial role in seed supply, meeting the demand largely through unorganized local markets or informal imports. This study aimed to demonstrate the seed production potential of two onion varieties, Nafis and Nafid, using a participatory approach in small-scale irrigation settings across two kebeles in Fentale and Amibara districts during the 2021/22 cropping season. A participatory research group (PRG) approach was employed, connecting agro-pastoralists who received training on onion seed production techniques. The field experiment was applied on systematically selected agro-pastoralists' plots of 10m × 10m, with transplant done 45-55 days after sowing. Data on seed yield and yield-related traits, including the number of stalks per plant, stalk diameter, length of the primary stalk, and number of umbels per plant, were collected and analyzed using an independent two-sample t-test in SAS software (version 9.0). Results showed a significant yield difference between the two varieties, with Nafis producing a regular seed yield of 10.72 q/ha, compared to 9.17 q/ha for Nafid, showcasing a yield advantage of 1.55 q/ha. This superiority of the Nafis variety was consistent across all experimental sites. The study concluded that the Nafis variety is more suitable for seed production in the tested regions, and suggests its potential to enhance seed yield for agro-pastoralists. The participatory approach and training provided to stakeholders were essential in improving knowledge, productivity, and the adoption of improved agricultural practices.
Abstract: The onion (Allium cepa L.) is a biennial vegetable crop of the Alliaceae family, demanding high-quality seeds for successful cultivation. The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) has prioritized onion as one of the key crops for research and development, aiming to improve yield and quality through the distribution of improved varieti...
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Nardos Mulgeta
