Effect of plant density and manure on the yield and yield components of the common onion ( Allium cepa L.) var. Nsukka red

Abstract

Different plant population densities and manure rates on the yield and yield components of short-day onion was investigated using a 4x4 factorial experiment that was laid out in three randomized complete block design. Results showed significant differences in the number of leaves produced per plant, leaf area (cm 2 ), bulb diameter and bulb yield. A mean of 10 leaves/plant was produced when plants were spaced at 30.5cm x 15.2cm (215,054 plants/ha). The application of manure at 22.40 ton/ha gave mean of 11 leaves/plant. Leaf area was affected more by manuring at 22.40 tons/ha (65.26cm 2 ) than by plant population density. Bulb diameter was greatest (8.18cm) at the highest manure application of 22.40 ton/ha than at the lowest population density of 215,000 with a mean bulb diameter of 7.18cm. Total bulb yield (9.55 ton/ha) was influenced more by manure application at 22.40 ton/ha than by plant density. The implication of the findings is highlighted for successful onion production. Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science Vol. 9 2005: 43-48