Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics and Storability of Onion Populations

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics and storability of Behbahan landrace, selected population from Behbahan landrace and Primavera cultivar were compared for two years (2009-2010) at Behbahan Agriculture Research Station. Field experiment was performed based on randomized complete block design containing four replications. Seedlings were transplanted in mid-December. A split plot in time experiment based on randomized complete block design containing four replications was used to compare the storability of studied populations. Populations were considered as main plot in three levels and the date of bulb observations as sub plot in thirteen levels. Bulbs were stored in non-control storage. The observations were done for sprouting, rotting, incidence of black mould and weight losses percent at 15 day intervals. The results showed that the differences of total yield (fresh) among populations were not significant, however marketable yield of Behbahan bred onion and Primavera cultivar was significantly higher than Behbahan landrace. The yield of bulb dry weight of Behbahan bred onion was higher than source landrace and Primavera cultivar at 5% and 1% probability level. Bulb dry matter percent and bulb colour uniformity of Behbahan bred onion was higher than source landrace. In the other hand the percent of double bulbs and neck diameter of Behbahan bred onion was lower than source landrace. The difference of storability between Behbahan bred onion and source landrace was not significant, but the storability of Primavera cultivar was significantly lower than other populations.