RO-1 an improved onion variety for the warmer areas of Rajasthan

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an important vegetable grown as cash crop throughout the world. India occupies first position in respect of area (16.04 %) in the world and ranks 2nd in bulb production (9.65 %), next to China. It is an export-oriented crop earning valuable foreign exchange for the country. Rajasthan contributes about 5.75 per cent of total area and 3.59 per cent of total production in the country. The present production level of onion is about 15-20 per cent less than the existing demand of population in Rajasthan. To redress the existing constraints, an appropriate breeding approach was initiated to develop a promising onion variety RO-1, which could provide higher yields and better returns to the farmers. To develop a suitable onion variety for semi-arid agroclimatic condition of Rajasthan, the selfing and massing method [1] was adopted for improvement of local landraces of Muhana at Agricultural Research Station, Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Through selection cycle of selfing and massing a new line RO-1 was selected. Initially this line was tested in augmented design. for yield levels as well as for other desirable parameters along with popular varieties. This promising line, Rajasthan Onion 1 (RO-1) was included in various evaluation trials since 1991-92 to 2000-01. The trials were conducted in randomized block design with three replications along with tlJlio check varieties viz., N-53 and Nasik Red.