Alliaceae - onions and related crops.

This chapter focuses on the cultivation of Alliaceae and its contribution in addressing food security issues in the tropics. The most important vegetable crops in this family include Allium cepa (onion and shallot), A. sativum (garlic), A. fistulosum (Japanese bunching onion, Welsh onion), A. tuberosum (Chinese chives), and A. chinense syn. A. bakeri (rakkyo). The chapter covers information on cultivars and types; soil, drainage, pH and nutrient requirements; sowing and crop establishment; planting and crop production; harvesting; storage; pest and pathogens.