Leaf and root degeneration in early maturing onions: A physiological disorder

HAIM D. RABINOWITCH*, URI ZIG

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Three onion cvs., four sowing dates, two plant densities and two photoperiod regimes were employed to elucidate the factor(s) responsible for leaf and root degeneration which occur frequently in crops of early maturing onions in the Arava valley, Israel, causing heavy economic losses. It was found that the symptoms developed in early maturing genotypes which showed the abnormal sequence of early bulbing in the autumn, followed by the reversal of bulbing later in the season. At this time of season root regrowth is restrained due to low soil temperatures and therefore mineral and water supply to the sprouting foliage is likely to be limited. These interpretations appear to be correct for the problem has been avoided in several seasons by the prevention of early bulbing by sowing later, by keeping population density at standard rates, and by the prevention of mineral deficiency by application of extra nitrogen.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)533-540
Number of pages8
JournalAnnals of Applied Biology
Volume115
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1989

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