Performance Evaluation of Onion (Allium Cepa L.) Varieties at Benatsemay Woreda of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Onion varieties were evaluated for adaptability to the climatic conditions in Benatsemay woreda. Three varieties of onion were planted under a complete randomized block design experiment with three replications at farmer’s field at Benatsemay woreda. Yield and yield component data like; plant height, number of leaves, bulb size and bulb yield of each varieties were collected. Bulb of all onion varieties were harvested at their maturity stage (90% tops down) and then weighted. SAS were used for data analysis. The result indicated that, the three varieties namely; Adama red, Nasick red and local contribute similarly to total yield, plant height, number of leaves and bulb size. The variety local was the best variety as it produced the highest bulb yield of 7.0033kg/plot numerically. Based on the result, we advise farmers to use local variety followed by Nasick red and Adama red therefore, government should promote these onion varieties for cultivation in Benatsemay woreda especially for Beneta kebele and its vicinity. Concerning body has to work together to ensure the availability of the seed of Local and Nasick red varieties. So that, onion producer can be interested for accepting these varieties for large scale production. The effects of different agricultural practices on yield of onion have to be considered for future investigation.