Morphogenetic Studies of Some Genotypes of Onion (Allium cepa L.) In Jos, Nigeria

The improvement of the fresh bulb and the economic dry matter yields of onion is dependent on the morphogenetic variability and the interrelationships amongst morphological attributes which can be used to determine the quality or performance of the crop. This research was aimed to study the morphogenetic characteristics of ten genotypes of onion (Ares, Violet de Galmi, Red Creole, “Wase”, “Dan Zaria”, “Dan Garko”, “Dan Giyawa”, “Bahaushe”, “Bakana” and “Yar Aleiro”) in Jos, Plateau State. Using the seedlings raised in the nursery, the genotypes were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates. Results showed that morphological attributes differed amongst the genotypes, except the number of leaves per plant, neck thickness and horizontal bulb diameter. The study concludes that morphological differences, which are responsible for differences in fresh bulb and dry matter yields, exist amongst the different genotypes of onion. These attributes could be used as selection indices in the improvement of the onion.