The Effect of different levels of phosphorus on growth and

yield of onion (allium cepa l.)

By:Helen Moges -- - - - -- -3322/10

Advisor Dr. Ayalew Talema (PhD)

Research Proposal

Submitted to Dr Ayalew Talema for the requirement of assignment on research

method in Horticulture

Jimma, Ethiopia
Nov, 2018

i
Acknowledgement

Above all, I owe our God a debt of praise for his presence with me in all ups and downs. Next to
that I feel a pleasure to extend my sincerely thanks to My teacher Dr. Ayalew Talema who is giving
some kind of aspects, unreserved advise and frequent supervision in the entire work of my research
proposal. I would like to express my great thanks to Jimma University College of Agriculture and
Veterinary Medicine for preparing such type of learning activity. My appreciation also goes for all
librarian and computer center for their support to writing this research paper.

ii
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Statement of problem............................................................................................................................... 2
Objectives ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Literature Review .......................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1. Origin and distribution of onion ........................................................................................................ 4
3.2. Botanical characteristics of onion ...................................................................................................... 4
3.3. Agronomic characteristics and Climatic requirement of onion ......................................................... 4
3.4. Role of phosphorus in onion .............................................................................................................. 5
3.5. Availability and uptake of Phosphorus on onion ............................................................................... 6
3.6. Effects of phosphorus on growth of onion ........................................................................................ 6
3.7. Effect of phosphorus on yield of onion.............................................................................................. 7
4. Material and Methods .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.1 Experimental Location ........................................................................................................................ 8
4.3 Experimental Design and Treatment .................................................................................................. 8
4.5 Experimental Procedure ..................................................................................................................... 9
4.6 Data Collection .................................................................................................................................. 10
4.6.1 Growth parameters.................................................................................................................... 10
4.6.4 Quality components ................................................................................................................... 10
4.6.3 Yield components....................................................................................................................... 11
4.7 Statistical Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 11
WORK PLAN ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Budget plan ................................................................................................................................................. 13
References .................................................................................................................................................. 14

i
Abbreviations

ANOVA …………….Analysis of Variance

ATP………………….Adenosine Triphosphate

cm……………………centimeter

DNA………………….Deoxyribonucleic acid

O
F…………………….Degree Fahrenite

gm……………………gram

H1……………………Alternative hypothesis

Kgha-1………………..kilogram per hectare

m……………………..meter

m2……………………. Meter square

mm……………………Mili meter

mqt…………………….million quintal

mt……………………..million tones

NS.................................Non signifiance

t/ha……………………tones per hectare

TSS…………………..Total Soluble solute

C0……………………Centigrade

ii
Abstract

Onion (allium cepa) is the most essential vegetable for nutritional and economical purpose .But
ha-1
there is low yield and production difference like under farmers field between 9 to 15 t which
will far less than under research area which was 30 to 35 t ha-1 A field experiment will under taken
to study the effect of different levels of phosphorus fertilizer on growth and yield of onion (Alluim
cepa L.) var. Adama red in South West of Ethiopia, JUCAVM (Horticultural garden) during 2018
ha-1
under irrigation condition. Four rates of P2O5 (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg ) will arranging in a
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times to study the effect of
different levels of Phosphorus on growth and yield of onion. Phosphorus showe significant
difference on growth, quality and yield parameters of onion. Parameter like (plant height, leaf
diameter and root number) was observed significant difference at levels of P2O5.

iii
 1. Introduction
Onions (Allium cepa L.) are biennial herbaceous members of the family Alliaceae that are typically
grown as annuals. It belongs to the genus Allium which contains 300 species which widely
distributed in northern temperate region. They are native to southern Asia and Ural mountains and
have long been valued in china and India for their flavorings (Henelt, 1990).

Globally, onion is produced at nearly 35 million tons per annum (FAO, 2005). In Ethiopia onion
is widely grown in the rift valley and lakes region of the country (Lemma and Shimeles, 2003).
The total area under onion in Ethiopia was estimated to be 15628.4 ha with total production of
(0.148 Mt), in the year 2008 with an average of 7.9t/ha (CSA, 2009).

Onions are cool season crop adapted to wide range of temperature and can withstand short
exposure to temperature well below freezing. Optimal production is obtained when cool
temperatures (55 to 77 o F). They are gown on much too heavy clays. Onion plants is sensitive to
high acidity and produces maximum yield over fairly narrow ranges of soil reaction on sandy loam
soil on long island reported that maximum of onion produced at PH 5.8-6.5 (Halliburton, 1996).

Onion is one of the most important condiments, being widely used in green form or as mature bulb
or both salad and for preparation of a number of dishes like soups, sauces and for seasoning of
foods Mild flavored or colorful bulb onions are often chosen for salads (Khan et al, 2005).
Varieties with high total soluble solutes (TSS) content are convenient for processing in the form
of dehydrated slices. Consumer often has very strong local preferences for size, shape and
pungency bulb of onion (Curran and Proctor, 1990).

The productivity of onion in farmers field ranges between 9 and 15 t/ha which is far less than the
yield obtained under research area which is 30-35 t/ha (Lemma and Shimmeles, 2003). These can
be due to many factors. The most important factors are lack of optimum levels of phosphorus
fertilizers (Abdisa et al, 2011).

Phosphorus fertilizer is one the most complex in production in many tropical soils, owing to low
native content and high phosphorus immobilization with in the soil. Phosphorus is essential for
root development when availability is limited, plant growth is usually reduced. In onion,

1
phosphorus deficiencies reduced root and leaf growth, bulb size and yield and also delay
maturation (Abdisa et al, 2011).

In the soils that are moderately low in phosphorus, onion growth and yield can be enhanced by
applying phosphorus .Onions are more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies than most crop plants
because of their shallow and un branched root system, hence they require and often respond well
to addition of fertilizer (Brewester, 1994).

Statement of problem
Onion is grown in most parts of Ethiopia but, a lot of constraints have contributed to the low yield.
Phosphorus deficiency is one of the constraints to onion production in many tropical soils. The use
of sub optimal phosphorus fertilizer is one of the prominent to mention. Still well recommendation
rate of phosphorus fertilizer is not well identified. So farmers get low yield and poor quality of
onion. To this effect, this research was initiated to determine appropriate rate of phosphorus on
growth and yield of onion.

2
 2. Objectives

2.1 General objectives;

 To study effect of phosphorus fertilizer on growth and yield of onion (Allium

cepa.L) var. Adama red.

2.2 Specific objectives;

 To determine the effect of different level of phosphorus on onion growth and

yield.
 To recommend the appropriate level of phosphorus fertilizer on onion growth and
yield for the growers.
Hypothesis;

H1: Different level of phosphorus fertilizer has an effect on growth and yield of onion.

H0:different level of phosphorus fertilizer has no effect

3
3. Literature Review

3.1. Origin and distribution of onion

The primary center of origin of onion is central Asia with secondary center of Middle East and
Mediterranean region. The onion was taken from Asia to Greece and Egypt. The onion is often
featured in hieroglyphs and designs on the Pyramids. It was introduced to agricultural community
of Ethiopia in early 1970s when foreigners brought it in (FAO, 2005).

3.2. Botanical characteristics of onion

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an herbaceous biennial monocot cultivated as an annual. Onion is being
a biennial crop takes two seasons for seed production. During the first season bulbs are formed
while flowers, stalks and seeds are developed in the second season. Onion is grown mainly for its
bulbs; although the green shoots of salad onion is also an important part. It can be grown in all
types of soils. But, for higher yield drained loam soil with a PH of 6.0 to 6.8 is good (Brewester,
1994).

The onion bulb consists of the swollen bases (sheaths) of bladed leaves surrounding swollen
bladeless leaves. Each leaf consists of a blade and sheath; the blade may or may not be distinctive.
The sheath develops to encircle the growing point and forms a tube that encloses younger leaves
and the shoot apex. Collectively, the grouping of these sheaths comprises the pseudo stem. Leaves
a rise from the short, compressed, dislike stem which to increase a diameter with maturation and
resembles an inverted cone. The onion skin is formed from the dry paper like outer most leaf scales
that lose their freshness during bulbing. Major bulb features are uniformity of shape, size and skin
color, pungency and dry matter content (Brewester, 1994).

3.3. Agronomic characteristics and Climatic requirement of onion

The onion root system is fibrous, spreading just beneath the soil surface to a distance of 30 to 46
cm. It has few laterals, and total root growth is sparse and not especially aggressive. Competition

4
from aggressive root systems (as from weed growth) severely limits onion growth (Khan.etal,
2005). Onion can grow in all types of soil in Ethiopia from sands loam to heavy clay, but it prefers
well drained sands loam with high content of organic matter. Highest yield can be obtained from
freely drained friable loam soil with PH of 6 to 6.8. Due to build up of soil born diseases, it should
be rotated with unrelated crops such as beans, and cereals. Onion could be planted at an interval
of 3 to 4 years (Lemma, 2004). The best growing altitude for onion under the Ethiopian condition
is between 700 to 2200 m.a.s.l and the optimum growing temperature ranges between 15 0c and
230c (EARO, 2004; MoARD, 2006).

Onion dry bulb can be produced throughout the year of dependable irrigation water, and diseases
and insect pests control measures are available. However, the yield and quality of dry bulbs seems
to vary from season to season due to diverse climatic conditions prevailing in the production areas.
Findings of the research done by Melkassa agricultural research center at the upper Awash rift
valley revealed that 20cm between rows on the bed and 10cm between plants with 333,300 plants
per hectare gave high yield (150q/ha) and was easy to manage the plant (EARO, 2004).

This is suitable for small scale hand operated production system for the Melkassa and other areas
with similar agro ecologies. The spacing could be adjusted depending on the availability of
facilities especially for tractor operated large scale production (Lemma, 2004).

Day length (photoperiod) and light intensity are important parameters of onion production onion
needs long days to initiate bulb formation. High temperatures coupled with long day appear to
shorten the time needed for bulb initiation. Onions also require ample sun shine and grown well
even in cold weather, if the light intensity is above the critical level. Onions can be grown up to
elevations of 1500-2330m but at higher altitudes they can be grown only as spring or summer
crops. The onions grown in tropics are often referred to as short day cultivars (this does not means
that these onions are physiologically short day plants). In the tropics short day onions may
complete their life cycle during a photoperiod that in theory is sufficiently long to permit them to
form bulb, which continuous to store them (Brewster, 1994).

3.4. Role of phosphorus in onion

Phosphorus is claimed to be the second most often limiting onion plant nutrient (Tisidale et al,
1995). Phosphorus is essential component of the energy transfer compounds (ATP and other

5
nucleic proteins), the genetic information system, cell membranes and Phosphoproteins (Bsawas
and Mukherje, 1993).

Among the significant functions and qualities of onion on which phosphorus has an important
effects as enhancing many aspects of plant physiology ,including the fundamental processes of
photosynthesis reproduction ,nitrogen fixation ,flowering ,fruiting (including seed production) and
maturation (Brady and Weil, 2002). Root growth, particularly development of lateral roots and
fibrous is extremely important as a structural part of many components, notably nucleic acid and
phospholipids (Brady and Weil, 2002).

Generally, many workers (Vechhani and Patel, 1996, and Mogren et al, 2005) investigated the role
of phosphorus in onion growth .All them agreed that the presence of phosphorus encourages plant
growth, because phosphorus is an essential. Particularly, phosphorus is a major building block of
DNA molecules.

3.5. Availability and uptake of Phosphorus on onion

Onion absorb phosphorous in the form of HPO42- and H2PO4- (Brady and Weil, 2002). The
physical and chemical properties of soil were reported to influence the solubility of phosphorus
and its absorption reactions in soils. These include the nature and amount of the soil minerals, soil
PH, cation effect and anion effect, extent of phosphorus saturation, reaction time and temperature,
flooding and fertilizer management (Tisdale et al, 1995).

The energy stored in these phosphate compounds allow for the transportation of nutrient across
the cell wall and the synthesis of nucleic acid and proteins (Singh et al, 2000). The addition of
phosphorus fertilizer insures that crops will reach their full potential by using additional
phosphorous, to encourage root growth and promoting resistances to root diseases (Brady and
Weil, 2002).

3.6. Effects of phosphorus on growth of onion

On soils containing sub optimum levels of available phosphorus, onion crops show economic
responses to the application of phosphate fertilizer (Almadini et al, 2000). As a result, relative
large amounts are applied in commercial practices. Some reports have suggested that adequate

6
levels of phosphorus promote early leaf canopy growth, but may advance senescence (Vechhami
and Patel, 1996, Mogren et al, 2005).

Such responses might be expected to influence the temporal patterns of radiation interception, and
there by dry matter accumulation under varying conditions of phosphorus supply (Aisha, et al,
2007). It is also evident that addition of phosphorus affects onion plant growth parameters such
as; number of leaves per plant, diameter of leaves, spread of plant, and plant height (Shaheen et
al, 2007).

Abdulsalam and Hamaiel (2004) mentioned that increasing the rate of phosphorus fertilizers up to
92kg/ha phosphorus increased plant height and leaf number. More over, the result of a semi-arid
region of Ethiopia indicated that irrigated onions benefited from application of 200kg/ha DAP
compared to unfertilized crops (Shimeles, 1997).

3.7. Effect of phosphorus on yield of onion

Aisha et al. (2007) reported that application of phosphorus increased the total bulb yield of onion
and also enhanced average weight of bulb, bulb length and bulb diameter of onion. The effect of
phosphorus application in increasing bulb yield and its characteristics could be explained through
the role of phosphorus which is extremely important as a structural part of many components,
notably nucleic acid and phospholipids (Singh et al, 2000).

According to Shaheen et al. (2007), the highest application of phosphorus (92kg/ha phosphorus)
fertilizer had a major effect on the productivity of onion plant, hence increased total bulb yield and
its components. Application of phosphorus level positively increase and significantly affect bulb
length, bulb diameter, average bulb weight, bulb dry matter content, marketable yield and total
bulb yield at 92kg/ha (Aster, 2009). Moreover, Vechhani and Patel (1993) found that onion yield
was highest with the application of 46kg/ha .They also suggested that increasing phosphorus
application increased bulb weight and size.

7
4. Material and Methods

4.1 Experimental Location

The experiment will conducted at Jimma university college of Agriculture and Veterinary
Medicine (JUCAVM) in 2014 under field condition and irrigation. JUCAVM is geographically
located 346 km south west of Addis Ababa at about 7o, 33N latitude and 36o, 57’E longitude at an
altitude of 1710m.a.s.l. The mean maximum and minimum temperature is 28.8oc and 11.4oc
respectively and the mean maximum and minimum relative humidity is 91.4% and 39.92%
respectively. The mean rain fall of the area is 1500mm. The soil of the experimental site is
characteristically reddish brown clay soil with PH ranges from 5.07 to 6.0 (BPEDORS, 2000).

4.3 Experimental Design and Treatment

The treatment used consists of four levels of phosphorous (0, 60, 90,120kg P2O5/ha) arranging in
randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Spacing of 15cm both between
rows and plants will used. Each plot have an area of 0.81m2 (0.9m length and 0.9m width) and the
spacing between block is 0.5 m and spacing between plot is 0.4m. The total area covered by the
plots is 17.76m2.

8
 0.9m

R1
P1 P2 P3 P4
0.9m 0.4m 4.8m

0.5m

R2 P4
P1 P2 P3

R3 P3 P4
P1 P2

3.7m

4.5 Experimental Procedure

The experimental field with flat slope will select and clean. The field (experimental area) will tilled
three times, pulverize and soften by application of water. The land layout will take and measure
accurately by using Pythagoras theorem in the rectangular form with the total area of 17.76m2. The
land will divide into twelve plots which have four treatments and three replications. Phosphorus
fertilizers will incorporate to soil during the onion seedling plant.

9
Onion seedling will planted at 15*15 cm spacing in the each plot. Thirty six seedlings of onions
will planting per plot and total numbers of seedlings planting 432. Watering and other cultural
practices were conduct according to their recommendation. Other cultural practice like weeding,
cultivating and fertilizing will carries out properly.

4.6 Data Collection

Data collections on growth parameters (plant height, number of root per plant, number of leaf per
plant and diameter of leaf plants) will take at vegetative growth except number of roots per plant
that will take at harvesting time. Quality and yield parameters at harvesting time of bulb were also
collecting on (diameter of bulb, vertical bulb thickness) and (fresh bulb weight, dry bulb weight)
respectively.

4.6.1 Growth parameters

In order to evaluate onion growth parameters that will be collecting different levels of phosphorus
fertilizer the following data will be listed as follows: .

Number of leaves per plant: Starting from fourth week after transplanting number of leaf per plant
will counte by taking three plants from each plot.

Diameter of leaves: Leaf diameter will measure using ruler by taking three plants from each plot
at the widest point of the third youngest leaf.

Plant height: Plant height will measure from soil surface to the top of the leaf by using ruler.

Number of root per plant: Number of root per plant will recorde by counting number of root on
each individual plant using hand

4.6.2 Quality components

Diameter of bulb: Bulb diameter will measure at harvesting time by using vemier caliper at the
widest point in the middle portion of the maturating bulb.

Vertical bulb thickness: Vertical bulb thicknesses of the three plants from each plot will measure
at harvesting time using a vemier caliper from the bottom to the top of the maturing bulb.

10
4.6.3 Yield components

Fresh weight: Fresh bulb weight will measure by taking three plants from each plot and weighing
using sensitive balance at the time of harvest.

Dry weight: For determination of dry bulb weight also three plants from each plot will take and
oven dries at temperature of 80oc for 48 hours. Then weight will measure using sensitive balance.

4.7 Statistical Analysis

All data collecting will subject to analysis of variance by statistical procedures as described by
Gomez (1984) and means weill compared using least significance difference (LSD) at 5%
probability level and SAS software will used for the analysis.

11
5. WORK PLAN

Activities January February march April May

Literature search x x x

Develop proposal x

Field study & land preparation x x

Seed sowing x x

Watering x x

Weeding x x

Fertilizing x

Data collection x

Data analysis x

Draft report preparation x

Report circulation for comments x

Report & presentation x

12
No. Item Unite Quantity Unite price Total price

1. Paper No 150 0.35 52.5

2. Pen No 5 5 25

3. Scientific calculator No 1 120 120

4. Ruler No 1 10 10

5. Field note book No 1 10 10

6. Labor cost for land preparation Person/days 5 80 400

7. Seed Kg 0.01 1000 10

8. Fertilizer Kg 0.25 560 140

9. Labor cost for sowing Person/days 5 80 400

10 Labor cost for watering Person/days 5 80 400

11 Labor cost for weeding Person/days 5 80 400

12 Computer printing and copping Page 1 25 25

Grand Total 1992.5

6. Budget plan

13
References

Abdisa.Y, T.Tekalign and L.M Pant.2011.Growth, bulb Yield and Quality of Onion
(Alluimcepa.L) as Influenced onVertisol, growth attribute ,biomass production and bulb
Yield ,African Journal of Agriculture Research Vol ,6(14) Pp,3252-
3258.http//www.academicjournals .org /AJAR.
Abdul Salam, M.A. and A.F. Hamaiel, 2004. Effect of planting dates and compound
Fertilizers on growth yield and quality of hassai onion under Al Hassai Oasis conditions.
Scientific Journal of King Faisal university (Basic and Applied sciences), 5(1): 3- 20.
Aisha, A.H, A.R. Fatma, A.M. Shaheen and M.M. Abdel-mouty, 2007. Onion plant Growth, bulbs
yield and its physical and properties as affected by organic and natural fertilization. Journal
of Applied science, 3 (5):380-388.
Almadini, A.M., S.S. Al-Thabt and A.F. Hamaiel, 2000. Effect of different application Rates of
two compound fertilizers on growth yield and yields mineral Composition of onion (Allium
cepa, L.). Egypt Journal of Applied Sciences, 15 (10): 10- 15.
Aster Korea, 2009. Effect of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers on yield and yield Component
of Onion (Allium cepa, L.) at M elkassa, central rift valley of Ethiopia, Pp: 109
Bsawas, T.D., and S.K. Mukherjee, 1993. Text book of Soil Science (5th Ed). Tata Mac
Grow-Hall, New Delhi. 170-197.
BPEDORS.2000.Physical and Social Economic Profile of 180 District of Oromia Region.
Bureau of Planning and Economic Development of Oromia Regional states
Physical Planning Development, Finfine, Ethiopia, Pp.248-251.
Brady, N.C .and R.R.Weil .2002. The nature and properties of soils. Thirteenth Ed
Prentice Hall Publishing, Newjergey.900-960.
Brewster.JL.1994.Oions and other Vegetable Alliums. CAB International and Walling
Ford UK, Pp, 236.
Central Statistics Authority (CSA).2009.Report on peasant holdings, Meher season,

14
 Statistical bulletin 388, vol I. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Currah, L and F.G.Proctor.1990.Onions in tropical regions .Natural Resource Institute.
Bulletin 35:20-33
FAO, 2005. Food and Agricultural Organization –production year book. http://www
.Fao .org.
Gomez,Kwanehia. Statistical procedures for Agricultural Research /Kawanehia A.Gomez
and Arture A.Gomez New York. John Willer and Sons .1984.xxi, 680p.
Halliburton, T.H, 1996.The effect of soil acidity and related factors on the growth of
Onions oblong ISL and, Cornell University.
Henelt, P.1990.Taxanomy, Evaluation and history of Onion.CRC Press, Boca Raton
Publishing, Florida.23-30,http://www.answer.com/topic/onioins -and -other -
Allium plants # 18 sh LL YSJ accessed date 25 Feb.2011
Khan, M.H., Mohammed and T.H .Chatah, 2005 .Effect of irrigation on growth and yield
Of onion varies Swat-1 Phwkara.Journal of Applied sciences Research 1(2):112-
116
Lemma, Desalegn and Shimeles Aklilu, 2003.Research experiences in onion production.
Research report No.55, EARO, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.pp, 2-15
Morgen, L.M, M.E, Olsson and U.E,Gelbertsson,2005.Effects of cultivar, lifting time and
Nitrogen fertilizer level on quartering in onion

Shaheen, A.M,M.Mona,M.Abdel,A.M.Aisha,A.R.Fatma, 2007.Natural and chemical

Phosphorus fertilizers as affected onion plant growth ,bulb yield and its some
Physical and chemical properties –Australia journal of basic and applied science,
Inset publication .1(4): 519-524.
Shimeles Aklilu.1997.Onion Research and Production in Ethiopia.Acta Horticulture
pp: 433
Singh, R.P.,N.K.Jain and B.L poonia.2000.Response of Onion to nitrogen, phosphorous

15
 and potash in eastern plains of Rajashan.Indian journal of Agricultural
Science.70:871-872.
Tisdale,S.L.,W.L.Nilson and J.D. Beaton.1995.Soil fertility and fertilizers .Fifth (ed.)Mac
Millan pub. co., New York.
Vechhani,M.U.and Z.G.Patel.1993.Groth and yield of Onion (Allium cepa,L.) as affected

16