2Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore-6.
3U. P. Agricultural University, Pantnagar.
U. P. Agricultural University, Pantnagar, Nainital
1A part of M. Sc. Ag. thesis submitted to U. P. Agricultural University, Pantnagar by the senior author.
An investigation was conducted at the Experiment Station, U. P. Agricultural University, Pantnagar during 1964–65 to determine the suitable sowing time and the age of seedlings for transplanting of Pusa Red onion. The maximum growth of leaf, root and bulb:of onion was obtained when sown on October, 16. The growth progressively decreased with further delay in sowing. This time of sowing gave the highest bulb yield on fresh weight (431.89 q/ha) as well as on dry weight basis. The dry weight percentage of bulbs progressively increased as the sowings were delayed. Transplanting of 5 and 6 weeks old seedlings showed better leaf and root growth as compared to 4 and 7 weeks old seedlings. The length and diameter of bulb were not affected by the age of seedlings, but bulbs from 7 weeks old seedlings were significantly lighter than from the younger ones. Medium aged seedlings (5–6 weeks old) showed significantly lower dry weight percentage as compared to 4 and 7 weeks old ones. The bulb yield did not differ significantly due to different ages of the seedlings.
