To achieve success in any crop, a strong foundation from the beginning is essential. When it comes to onion cultivation, the initial phase plays a crucial role in strengthening the roots, maintaining healthy green leaves, and ensuring stress-free growth. A well-established foundation boosts crop growth and directly impacts the quality and size of the onions. If your onion crop is around 25 days old after transplanting, special attention should be given to proper fertilization, nutrition, and disease control. This blog provides detailed information on all necessary actions required at this crucial stage of onion cultivation.
Import![]()
ance of Balanced Nutrition in Onion Crops
Onion crops usually take 120 to 140 days to mature. Between 25 to 35 days after transplanting, the onion plant starts replacing old bulbs with new ones. If proper fertilizers and nutrients are not supplied at this stage, the crop may suffer severe damage. Unbalanced nutrition can lead to excessively thin and elongated stems, increasing the risk of 'Jalebi Disease' (Twisting Disease). Therefore, maintaining a balanced nutrient supply at this stage is extremely important.
Essential Nutrients for This Stage:
- Urea: 15 kg per acre
- Monoammonium Phosphate (MoP): 5 kg per acre
- Sulfur: 4-6 kg per acre
- Micronutrients: 5 kg per acre
Pest and Disease Control Measures
At this stage, onion crops are vulnerable to various pests and diseases, including root rot, fungal infections, and sap-sucking pests (aphids and thrips). Proper field management can help prevent these issues.
Protection from Soil-Borne Diseases
To prevent soil-borne diseases like damping-off and root rot, use the following treatments:
- Katyayani Samartha: Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP
- Katyayani KTM: Thiophanate Methyl - 300-400 g per acre (apply to soil)
Pest Control
Onion leaves are often affected by leaf miners and sap-sucking pests like aphids and thrips. To control these pests effectively:
- Katyayani Propcyp : Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% - 350-400 ml per acre
- Katyayani Chakrawarti: Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda Cyhalothrin 9.5% - 100 ml per acre
Protection Against Fungal Diseases
- Katyayani Dr. Zole: Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC - 250 ml per acre
Irrigation Management and Field Care
Maintaining balanced moisture is crucial for onion crops. Excessive moisture can lead to fungal infections and Jalebi disease. The soil should not be too compact or overly wet.
Key Irrigation Practices:
- Apply light irrigation to maintain balanced moisture.
- Use drip irrigation systems to optimize water use and avoid excessive moisture.
- Remove weeds on time, as they can attract sap-sucking pests, leading to reduced yields.
Future Crop Care
If proper nutrition and disease management are ensured during the initial phase, the crop will require only mild nutrition and essential insecticides later.
- Manage irrigation carefully considering weather conditions.
- Provide additional nutrition and disease control measures as required.
- Regularly monitor the field and take timely action against potential threats.
Conclusion
Applying the right fertilizers, irrigation techniques, and pest control measures during the early stages of onion growth is essential for achieving high yield and superior quality. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a healthy and productive onion crop.
FAQs
Q1: How should irrigation be managed in onion crops?
A: Apply light irrigation to maintain balanced moisture. Use drip irrigation to prevent excess moisture, which can reduce the risk of Jalebi disease and fungal infections.
Q2: What are the harmful effects of excessive weeds in onion crops?
A: Weeds attract sap-sucking pests, leading to decreased yield. Timely weed control can reduce the risk of pest infestations and improve crop health.
