Bulb Onion Farming Program & Planting Guide

Onion Farming Program Overview

Our onion seed selection includes a variety of options, from open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) to highly improved and hybrid seeds. 

Seed Requirements

For every acre, you’ll need approximately 1 kg to 1.2 kg of seeds, equivalent to 250,000 - 300,000 seeds.

Nursery Stage (35-45 Days)

1. At sowing: Apply Confidor (10g/20L) via soil drenching.
2. After 7 days: Repeat Confidor (5g/20L) + Ridomil (40g/20L).
3. After 7 days: Apply Confidor (5g/20L) + Ridomil (40g/20L).
4. After 7 days: Use Karate Zeon (12ml/20L) + Ridomil (50g/20L).
5. After 10 days: Apply Karate Zeon (12ml/20L) + Luna Sensation (10ml/20L).
6. Use Mazao Plenty Starter Plus foliar fertilizer (40ml/20L) between the above sprays.

Seedbed Management

Apply a selective herbicide like Galigan or Oxyfen at 10-14 days after transplanting (50ml/20L), especially when the soil is moist. Limit soil disturbance after spraying. Incorporating well-composed manure before transplanting, such as cow or goat manure, enhances soil fertility.

Planting Guide for Onions

Week 1 (After Transplanting)

• Application: DAP/Yara Power (150kg/acre), Goldazim (20ml/20L), Systema (20ml/20L)
• Target: Root formation, prevention of root rot, and protection against crickets and cutworms.

Week 2

• Application: Mazao Plenty Calmagzinc (40ml/20L), Orbea Opti (10ml/20L), Luna Sensation (10ml/20L)
• Target: Strengthen root hairs, boost plant immunity, and combat aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Week 3

• Application: Metacop (40g/20L), Rapid (10-15ml/20L)
• Target: Control fungal diseases and pests like aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.

Week 4

• Application: Emmaron (15ml/20L), Uster Top (10ml/20L), Mazao Plenty Vegetative Plus (40g/20L), CAN (150kg/acre)
• Target: Address pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies.

Weekly Maintenance (Weeks 5-10)

• Continue alternating between fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers.
• Introduce NPK fertilizers at week 8 for bulb enlargement.
• At week 10, apply Thiovit Jet (80g/20L) to enhance onion flavor and color.

Key Considerations

1. Spacing: Proper spacing will influence bulb size.

   • Medium bulbs: 7.5cm x 15cm or 10cm x 10cm
   • Small bulbs: 5cm x 15cm
   • Large bulbs: 10cm x 15cm

2. Spray Intervals: Adjust based on disease and pest pressures.

3. Soil Testing: Adjust the feeding regime based on soil test results and crop health.

4. Cultural Practices: Ensure general farm care, including the use of adjuvants/stickers during rainy seasons for effective spraying.

5. Transplanting Tips: Avoid deep planting to prevent bottle-shaped bulbs.

6. Maturity: Hybrids and improved varieties take about 90 days to mature, while OPVs may take longer.

Conclusion

Successful onion farming requires a combination of proper seed selection, timely applications of fertilizers and pesticides, and careful management practices. By following this guide, you can maximize your yield and achieve desirable bulb quality.