Introduction and importance
Onion (Allium cepa L) is one of the important condiments widely used in all households all the year round. The green leaves and immature and mature bulbs are eaten raw or used in preparation of vegetables. Onions are used in soups, sauces and for seasoning foods. The small bulbs one pickled in vinegar. Recent research has suggested that onions in the diet may play a part in preventing heart disease and other ailments. Onion bulb is rich in phosphorus, calcium and carbohydrates. The pungency in onion is due to a volatile oil known as allyl-propyl disulphide.
Trends, area, production and yield
Onion is an important crop in all continents with world production of about 25 million tones. There has been a progressive increase in area and production of onion in Pakistan. In 1998-99, the area increased to 84.3 thousand hectares, producing 1138.2 thousand tones and yield was 13.5 tones/ha.
Important pests of Onion
Onion thrips
Onion fly
Earwig
Written By: Sajid Aslam
