Growth and yield of shallots (Allium cepa var aggregatum L.) under different seed bulbs storage period

The availability of qualified and sustainable seeds is one of the determinants of the success of shallot farming. One of the constraints factor in the supply of shallot seeds is the short storage period that is about 2-3 months. This study aims to determine the effect of varieties and seed storage period on growth and yield shallots. This research was conducted at Indonesian Vegetables Research Institute, Lembang, West Java, Indonesia. The study was designed using split plot design with four replications. The main plot was seed storage period for four months, five months and six months after harvest and the subplot was varieties, consisting of seven varieties that have been released, namely Bima Brebes, Katumi, Kuning, Pikatan, Trisula, Pancasona and Mentes. The results showed that the yield of wet bulbs per hectare of five-months-storage period bulb seeds was significantly higher than six months storage period for the varieties of Bima Brebes, Katumi, Kuning, Pikatan, Pancasona and Mentes. Five-months-storage period of shallot bulb seeds can still be used as a source of seeds for the varieties of Bima Brebes, Katumi, Kuning, Pikatan, Pancasona and Mentes.