21. Influence of transplanting dates and population densities on the growth and yield of onion
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Abstract
A field experiment was carried out to study the “Influence of transplanting dates and population densities on the growth and yield of onion” was carried out at Dargai with collaboration of Agriculture Extension Department, Dargai Malakand Division, Pakistan. The experiment was designed as Randomizes Complete Block Design (RCBD) as Split plot arrangement having two factors, transplanting dates and row spacing. Transplanting dates (15th December, 31st December and 15th January) were in the main plots while row spacing (15, 20, 25 and 30 cm) were in sub plots replicated three times. Recommended dose of NPK (120: 90: 60) kg ha-1 were applied. Swat-I variety of onion was grown. The data on number of leaves plant-1, plant height (cm), leaf width (cm), bulb diameter (cm), average bulb weight (g), number of bubs kg-1 and total yield t ha-1 were recorded. Significant variations were recorded for transplanting dates and different row spacing for all the parameters studied. The mean data showed that plants with transplanting date of 15th December resulted best in all the parameters, i.e. maximum number of leaves plant-1 (9.94), plant height (47.58 cm), leaf width (1.42 cm), bulb diameter (6.06 cm), average bulb weight (79.70 g) and yield (28.64 t ha-1). Among row spacing, the maximum row spacing (30 cm) produced the maximum number of leaves plant-1 (10.18), plant height (47.00 cm), leaf width (1.41 cm), bulb diameter (6.58 cm) and average bulb weight (91.59 g). Maximum number of bulbs (18.22 kg-1) was recorded at plants with row spacing of (15 cm). However, plants with row spacing (20 cm) produced a maximum yield (29.29 t ha-1). It is concluded from the experimental study that best yield was observed at row spacing 20 cm with a transplanting date of 15th December, therefore recommended for onion production under the agriculture climatic condition of Malakand.
Keywords: Onion (Allium cepa L.); Transplanting dates; Row spacing; Number of leaves plant-1; Plant height