Onion (Allium cepa L.): Breeding for quality traits and export

Abstract

Among Allium crops, onion and garlic are exclusively grown and consumed in the form of fresh as well as processed products. In India, onion and garlic are integral part of daily diet in every household, grown under three crop seasons i.e. kharif, late kharif and rabi. The Rabi crop occupies more than 50% of production. India is the 2nd largest producer of onion and garlic after China. Development of varieties having attractive bulbs with uniform in size, shape, colour and uniform maturity, high dry matter and long storage life. As well as additional desirable features like intact and attractive skins, thick leaf scales as uniform rings, single centred bulb, thin neck, and resistant to premature bolting, diseases and pests. Each of these characteristics is genetically inherited but can be modified by environmental and cultural practices. However, several organizations worked/released many varieties and hybrids as well as production technologies, which increases area, production, productivity and export of onion.