Researchers at the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine have developed new onion varieties with atypical bulb shapes that show higher yields and improved storage performance compared with standard varieties.
© Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing
According to Victoria Rud, candidate of economic sciences and senior researcher at the Institute, several new sharp-shaped varieties, Zagrava, Mayak, and Buran, have been introduced to the market in recent years. Trial results show these varieties exceeded the benchmark variety Harmonia in total yield by 11–32% and in commercial yield by 24–53%. Their storage capacity reached 95–96%, which is about 8% higher than the baseline indicator.
Rud also highlighted the variety Lyubchyk, which features a cigar-shaped bulb and is already being used in production. "The introduction of new varieties and hybrids of onion, including those with atypical bulb shapes, requires updating technological approaches," she said.
In response, the Institute has developed cassette cultivation technology that incorporates drip irrigation. Researchers are also working on improving crop rotation practices, optimizing mineral fertilizer use, and refining plant protection systems against pests and diseases to support the adoption of these new varieties.
The Institute's work aims to provide growers with more efficient cultivation methods and onion varieties that meet storage and productivity requirements under current production conditions in Ukraine.
Source: AgroNews
