Seed yield and yield attributes of onions as influenced by surface cutting, weight, and planting date of mother bulbs

Purpose: This investigation aimed to study the effect of mother bulb surface cutting, weight and date of planting on plant growth, seed yield and seed quality of onions. Research method: The experiment was conducted during 2020 at the Agriculture Research Farm of Kabul University. The study was designed in split-split plot Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and data for plant biometry, seed yield and seed quality was recorded. The recorded data were statistically analyzed with R software. Findings: The study revealed that, surface cutting of mother bulbs alone does not influence plant growth and seed yield. However, the interaction of large bulb and bulb surface cutting was significant on seed yield. The large sized whole bulbs produced higher seed yield (938.33 Kg ha-1 ) as compared to other treatments. Early planting produced vigorous plants as compare late planting. Large bulbs (126-175 g) produced vigorous plants and highest seed yield (820.83 Kg ha-1 ). However, the seed yield (805.83 Kg ha-1 ) produced by plants obtained from medium bulbs (76-125 g) was on par with those produced from large bulbs. Research limitations: No limitations to report. Originality/Value: Based on the findings of the study, the farmers are recommended to avoid the surface cutting of mother bulbs and follow early planting (20th March) of medium sized bulbs (76-125 g) for vigorous plants and higher seed yield of onion.