Effects of Onion Transplant Pruning and Orientation on Plant Survival, Yield, and Size Distribution1

Abstract Transplants onion ( Allium cepa L.) were pruned to varying degrees and planted vertically or horizontally simulating mechanized transplanting. Pruning of tops reduced bulb diameter, increased neck diameter and delayed % tops down compared to whole plant transplants. Yields were significantly reduced only when more than one half of the top of the plant was removed. Significant yield reductions occurred at all levels of pruning when plants were planted horizontally as compared to vertically. Horizontal placement reduced stands, yields, average bulb size, plant height and bulb diameter compared to vertical planting.