Effects of blended fertilizer rate and variety on yield and quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.) seed production in Northeastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract

Quality seed is an essential input for the production of quality onion bulbs. However, lack of quality vegetable seeds including onions are the major obstacle to producing a better yield and quality. Therefore, the research was carried out to study the influence of blended fertilizer rate and variety on onion seed yield and quality. Treatments contained seven blended fertilizer rates (0, 30.5, 61, 91.5, 122,152.5 and 183 kg ha-1 Nitrogen: Phosphorus: Sulphur: Boron (NPSB)) and two onion varieties (Bombay red and Nafis). Data were collected on growth, yield and quality parameters and analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Most parameters were significantly influenced by the main and interaction effects of variety and blended fertilizer. Bombay red gained the maximum seed yield (2.3 tonne ha-1) planted at Kobo with the application of 183 kg blended fertilizer ha-1. The highest germination percentage (92%) was recorded on both Bombay red and Nafis at Libso and Kobo with the application rates of 183 and 61 kg ha -1 NPSB, respectively. The partial budget analysis showed that Bombay red planted at Kobo with the application of 183 kg blended NPSB fertilizer ha-1 gave a maximum net benefit of 1,857,967.5 ETB ha-1 with a marginal rate of return of 48,186.14%. Therefore, Bombay red with combination of 183 kg NPSB blended fertilizer and 34.4 kg Urea ha-1 is advisable for better yield and quality of onion seed production in the study area and similar agro ecologies.