Abstract

PACHECO, José Daniel et al. Factors affecting seed quality and yield potential of onion (Allium cepa L.). Acta Agron. [online]. 2020, vol.69, n.4, pp.314-320.  Epub Oct 13, 2021. ISSN 0120-2812.  https://doi.org/10.15446/acag.v69n4.69401.

The physiological quality of the seed guarantees optimal crop yields. At the Graduate School of Agronomy of the Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA), Lara state, Venezuela, factors that influence the quality of Allium cepa L seeds were studied. In the study, the physiological quality, microbiota with pathogenic potential and secondary metabolites in four commercial onion seed materials (Allium cepa L.): Texas 438 identified as TX1 and TX2, and Yellow Granex YG1 and YG2. For the vigor tests, the germination count, emergence percentage (PE), emergence speed (VE), emergence speed index (IVE) was performed, as well as a viability test with tetrazolium (Tz). The microbiota was determined by incubation in culture medium for fungi and bacteria and secondary metabolites were determined by thin layer chromatography. For germination, emergence and pathogen identification evaluations, four replications of 100 seeds each were arranged. The results showed that the germination percentage of the evaluated materials was below international standards (80%), germination was affected by the storage conditions that influenced the viability of the seeds, which was reflected in the phytosanitary state with the presence of Aspergillus sp., A. niger, Rhizopus, Fusarium, Ntucor, Penicillum and some bacteria. The secondary metabolites present (phenols and flavonoids) played a fundamental role in the defense against the microbiota present, finding high values of them in the seeds with fewer pathogens.

Keywords : Allium cepa L; Germination; Microbiota; Viability; Vigor.

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