Effect of Different Irrigation Methods on Bulb Yield of Onion Cultivars

Effect of three different irrigation methods on dry matter (%)، emergence (%)، water productivity، yield and some of agronomic traits of four Iranian onion cultivars were studied. The experiment was conducted in 2005 and 2006 growing seasons as strip plot arrangements in randomized complete block design with three replications in Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station of Neyshabour. Three irrigation methods (drip، furrow and basin) were assigned as vertical plots and four long day onion cultivars (Azarshahr Red، Kashan White، Neyshabour White، Neyshabour Red) were randomized in horizontal plots. Results showed that drip irrigation method increased bulb yield of onion. Irrigation × cultivar interaction effect showed that furrow irrigation improved bulb yield in Kasahn White cultivar by 37% in comparison to basin system. Average yield of Kashan White cultivar in drip irrigation was 30% more than that of basin system. Water productivity in drip irrigation was more than furrow and basin irrigation methods by 28% and 52%، respectively. Mean bulb yield in drip irrigation was 7. 2% less than furrow irrigation and 27% more than basin irrigation.