Development of onion (Allium cepa L., cv. 'Early Cream Gold') seed under cool climate conditions in Tasmania, Australia occurred over a longer duration than previously reported, but similar patterns of change in yield components were recorded. In contrast to previous studies, umbel moisture content declined from 85 to 67 % over 57 days while seed moisture content decreased from 85 to 31 %. Seed yield continued to increase over the duration of crop development, with increasing seed weight compensating for seed loss resulting from capsule dehiscence in the later stages of maturation. Germination percentage was high and did not vary significantly from 53 to 77 days after full bloom (DAF), but mean germination time declined and uniformity of germination increased significantly over the same time period. The percentage abnormal seedlings declined with later harvest date, resulting in highest seed quality at 77 DAF. The results of this study suggest that the decision to harvest cool climate onion seed crops before capsule dehiscence will result in a loss of potential seed yield and quality.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
Research Group:	Horticultural Production
Research Field:	Horticultural Crop Improvement (Selection and Breeding)
Objective Division:	Plant Production and Plant Primary Products
Objective Group:	Horticultural Crops
Objective Field:	Vegetables
UTAS Author:	Spurr, C (Dr Cameron Spurr)
UTAS Author:	Fulton, DA (Mr David Fulton)
UTAS Author:	Brown, PH (Professor Phil Brown)
UTAS Author:	Clark, RJ (Professor Robert Clark)
ID Code:	24327
Year Published:	2002
Web of Science® Times Cited:	7
Deposited By:	Agricultural Science
Deposited On:	2002-08-01
Last Modified:	2003-05-14
Downloads:	0