Variety traits

Lodging — Onion

Allium cepa L.

Lodging of onion foliage is a biological indicator of technical maturity, resulting from the loss of neck turgidity and the completion of nutrient translocation into the bulb.

In the reference 38 varieties crop Onion, where this is mentioned in the description.

The process is characterized by the softening and thinning of the plant neck, which causes the aerial part to naturally tilt and fall over. In agronomic practice, the start of harvesting is considered to be the onset of the mass lodging phase, when 50–80% of the plants in a plot have reached a horizontal position.

When evaluating varieties, the number of days from emergence to this phase is recorded, which allows for differentiation based on maturity timing. Timely lodging is critical for the formation of a tight bulb neck, which prevents the entry of infections, and ensures the efficiency of mechanized harvesting.

A distinction is made for 'false' lodging, caused by downy mildew (Peronospora), pests, or moisture deficit. In such cases, maturation is considered premature, which negatively affects bulb weight and storage shelf life, as the plant does not have time to complete all stages of nutrient accumulation.

General information about the subject — on the page Lodging.

Sources8

Varieties of Onion mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.