Yield potential of onion genotypes in the Planicie Huasteca, Mexico

Resumen

Objective: To identify new generation onion genotypes with high yield per unit that meet the bulb quality characteristics required by the export market.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Eight onion hybrids with yellow bulb, six hybrids with white bulb, and three hybrids with purple bulb were evaluated. The experiments were established with drip irrigation and fertigation. The agronomic characteristics of the plant and the production and quality of the bulb were evaluated, using the USDA specifications for bulb width and shape. The experiments were carried out using a completely randomized block design, with three replications; the statistical analysis was performed using the SAS software, version 9.2.

Results: The best onion genetic materials for the Planicie Huasteca were the yellow bulb hybrids Wayne and Don Víctor, the white bulb hybrids Blanca Grande, Monja Blanca, and Don Alberto, and the purple bulb hybrid Rasta, all of which have high production capacity and bulb quality.

Study Limitations/Implications: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is the most extensive horticultural crop in the Planicie Huasteca, Mexico. Although regional producers establish outstanding genotypes, they require information about the new generation genetic materials, if they are to remain competitive in the export market. Therefore, the new genotypes with the best high yield potential and bulb quality must be evaluated to select those that meet the requirements of the market.

Findings/Conclusions: Yellow, white, and purple bulb onion genotypes with high production capacity that meet the requirements of the markets were identified.