Effect of Pre-Harvest Application of Maleic Hydrazine on Quality and Storability of Onions (Allium capa L.)

Abstract

The effect of pre-harvest application of maleic hydrazide(MH) at 250,500,1000 and 1500 ppm on quality and storability of "Saggai red" onion bulbs was studied. The bulbs were stored for 10 months at ambient conditions (28+ 5?C and 21- 44 % r.h.). MH treatment significantly decreased sprouting percentages at all concentration, the higher the concentration the more decrease in sprouting percentages. Sprouting percentages in bulbs increased with duration of storage and with increase in bulb size. MH decreased weight loss of bulbs during storage.The higher the concentration the less weight loss. The weight loss in bulbs increased with storage period and with decrease in bulb size . MH treatment resulted in increase in total soluble solids (TSS) at all concentration. TSS increased with length of storage period and decrease in bulb size. MH treatment decreased rotting percentages in bulbs, the higher the concentration the more decrease in rotted bulbs. The percentages of rotted bulbs increased with increase in storage period and with decreased in bulb size. A ppositive correlation was found between sprouting, weight loss and rotting percentages during storage