Allium cepa L. and its related taxa in India: Identification, eco-geographical and genetic resources study

Allium cepa L. (common onion) and its related taxa were studied to delineate the taxonomic identity of taxa belonging to subgenus Cepa in India for distinguishing characters. Study was primarily based on morphological observations recorded during field collection, experimental and herbarium work. Evidences based on findings from molecular and scanning electron microscopy study of seeds of selected taxa in subg. Cepa compared with Allium roylei and A. stracheyi of subg. Polyprason supported justification for reconsideration of systematic position of A. roylei under subg. Cepa. A simple key was prepared to facilitate identification of taxa in subg. Cepa.