Abstract:
During the Maha season of 2020/21, a farmer participatory research project was
conducted to determine ideal location/s for the production of true seeds of cluster
onion (Allium cepa.L.) in Jaffna district of Northern region. During the cropping period,
eight trial plots were created in farmer's fields representing different climatic and soil
conditions. The 11 agronomical parameters were recorded in relation to true seed
production potential and bulb yield. In addition, an arbitrary model was evaluated for
long-term seed availability without change in the genetic makeup of the cluster onion
cultivar Vethalam. Bulbs were planted on 80% of their area for true seed production
and the rest 20% for bulb production in this approach. pH, EC, Organic Matter,
Available Phosphorous, and Exchangeable Potassium were measured in soil samples
collect from each unit. The soil pH and Exchangeable potassium content varied
throughout the locations, according to soil analysis. Fifty percent flowering,
productive stalks per plant, umbel with, Stalk height, days to maturity for seed
harvesting, number of harvesting, number of mature seeds per umbel, number of
immature seeds per umbel , seed yield, and germination were all significantly different
between some of the locations tested. Increased number of harvests have increased
the number of mature seeds per a flower. Number of mature seeds per umbel varied
significantly and the experiment plot at Araly showed highest maturity seeds
(138/umbel). Four locations viz; Arali (250.75 kg/ha), Kaithady (213.25 kg/ha),
Pandathrippu (185.37 kg/ha) and Urumpirai (145.37 kg/ha) in Jaffna district have
proven with acceptable true seeds production. Bulb yields of all location were reached
above 11 t/ha. Tested model, leaving 20% of the land for bulb production and rest of
the land for true seed production, has proven efficient for seeds sustainability.
