PHENOTYPIC EVALUATION OF EIGHT ONION (Allium cepa L.) CULTIVARS GROWN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Allium cepa is the most important Allium species and the second most important vegetable crop
in the world. Onion production is low in North-eastern Nigeria compared to the North-west
despite the suitable soil and environmental condition. This could be attributed to the
inappropriate identification information which leads to cultivation of unsuitable varieties. The
phenotypic variability in onions were quantified in order to allow an effective use of cultivar
collections. Eight (8) onions (A. cepa) cultivars were collected from different onion growing
regions in northern Nigeria. Randomized complete block design with replications was used.
Foliage and bulb traits were analysed. Significant differences were observed between cultivars
and Wuyan bijimi recorded longest leaf (60.54±5.48cm) and leaf index. Phenotypic differences
were recorded, however, homogeneity was recorded for few traits.