Onion pre- and postharvest considerations.

Abstract

This chapter selectively reviews research published since the preparation of Onions and Allied Crops [see Rabinowitch, H.D. and Brewster, J.L. Onions and Allied Crops, 3 Vols. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida. 1990, 273, 320 and 265 pp.], presenting significant advances in onion pre- and postharvest science.

Response of garlic (Allium sativum L.) to vermicompost and mineral N fertilizer application at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia

“…Bulb crops are a heavy feeder, requiring optimum supplies of N, P, K and S and other nutrients which can adversely affect growth, yield and quality of bulbs under suboptimal levels in the soil (Gubb and Tavis, 2002). According to Bhagwan et al (2012) successive levels of fertilizers significantly increased the weight of bulb, number of cloves per bulb and bulb yield.…”

Intra row spacing effect on shelf life of onion varieties (Allium cepa L.) at Aksum, Northern Ethiopia

“…The relationship between bulb DMC and composition of non-structural carbohydrates has an important implication for physiology of carbohydrate accumulation in the onion bulb. Storage losses in 37 onion cultivars in India were also found to be negatively correlated with ash, potassium, DM, total soluble solids and non-reducing sugar content (Gubb and Tavis, 2002). Genetically controlled factors that may influence storage performance include DMC, pungency, skin color, skin number and quality, and length of natural dormancy of the particular onion variety (Salunkhe, 1998).…”

Onions, Shallots and Garlic

“…Brice et al (1997) presented the options for choosing various types of storage installations and provided decision trees to help readers to define their needs and the choices which would be feasible for their own environments and economic situations. Gubb and MacTavish (2002) reviewed recent literature on the biological aspects of storage. The findings on bacterial diseases of onions were reviewed by Mark et al (2002).…”

“…These were recently reviewed by Gubb and MacTavish (2002) in the context of post-harvest biology and by BoschSerra and Currah (2002) in terms of field agronomy. Some of the key factors affecting onion quality are the choice of appropriate long-storing varieties for the production area; careful timing of sowing and (if used) transplanting, so as to avoid environmental conditions which may lead to bolting or to splitting and doubling of the bulbs; careful use of fertilizers such that nitrogen is not scarce in the early growth stages but is mostly used up by the plant by the time of harvest; care with the application of irrigation so that the bulbs are encouraged to dry down fully by the time of harvest; and the use of a sprouting inhibitor (usually maleic hydrazide or MH) during the last stages of leaf die-down but while the foliage is still green.…”