Effect of different levels of soil salinity on growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa)

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the relative performance of onion Pusa Red, Pusa Madhvi and Pusa White Flat, on saline soils with increasing levels (0.3, 4, 8, 12 ad 16 dS/m) of electrical conductivity (ECe). Growth and bulb yield of all varieties were not affected adversely upto a salinity level of 4 dS/m. Highest salinity (16 dS/m) reduced plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaves fresh and dry weight and bulb yield by about 40–50% as compared to the control (0.3 dS/m). Reduction was of higher magnitude at early growth stages in all the varieties. Bulb maturity has been hastened by a week due to increasing levels of salinity. Onion Pusa Red performed relatively better as comapred to others.