Onion storage decomposition unaffected by late-season irrigation reduction

Abstract

Long-day onion (Allium cepa L.) 'Vision' was submitted to four soil water potential (SWP) treatments using subsurface drip irrigation in 1997 and 1998. Onions were grown on two double rows spaced 22 inches (56 cm) apart on 44-inch (112-cm) beds with a drip tape buried 5 inches (13 cm) deep in the bed center. SWP was maintained at four levels by automated, high frequency irrigations based on SWP measurements at an 8-inch (20-cm) depth. The check treatment had SWP maintained at -20 cbar (kPa) during the entire season. The other three treatments had SWP maintained at -20 cbar until 15 July, then reduced to 30, -50, or -70 cbar. Reducing the SWP level after 15 July below -20 cbar failed to reduce onion bulb decomposition in storage, but reduced colossal onion yield in 1997, and marketable and total yield in 1998.