Evaluation of Rabi onion (Allium cepa L) genotypes under Western Table Land Zone of Odisha

A field experiment was conducted at Sambalpur, Odisha to assess the response of different onion cultivars under Western Table Land Zone of Odisha during Rabi 2009–10 to identify the suitable Rabi onion genotype(s) for better growth and bulb yield. Significantly better vegetative growth parameters viz plant height (51.33 to 66.07 cm), number of leaves/plant (7.93 to 9.77) and collar thickness (1.30 to 2.01 cm) were observed in NRCRO-1, NRCRO-2 and Sel-126 including the national check L-28 as compared to other tested cultivars. Significant superiority in performance for most of the bulb yield attributing parameters was exhibited by the genotypes Sel-153 and Sel-126 including the check variety L-28. Significantly highest marketable bulb yield was recorded in check variety L-28 (184.53 q/ha) followed by Sel-126 and Sel-153 (159.35 to 174.61 q/ha). Similar trend was also recorded for total bulb yield (277.94 to 335.18 q/ha) with a range of 178.50 (NRCWO-2, Bhima Shweta) to 335.18 q/ha (Sel-153). Thus considering the overall performance of onion cultivars it was concluded that Sel-153, L-28, Sel-126, Arka Niiketan and NRCRO-2 (Bhima Shakti) were suitable for commercial cultivation during the Rabi season under Odisha conditions for better growth and bulb yield in onion. Sel-153 and Arka Niketan exhibited better growth, bulb yield and tolerance to onion thrips and purple disease.