Riego y Cosecha de Cebolla: Guía Completa
Cargado por
Stefanny Rocío Rivera SotoRiego y Cosecha de Cebolla: Guía Completa
Cargado por
Stefanny Rocío Rivera SotoCommon questions
Con tecnología de IAThe timing of the onion harvest significantly impacts bulb quality and storage life. Early harvest may lead to ongoing leaf growth, open necks, and poor storage characteristics . Late harvest results in higher bulb weight but increases risks like sun damage and microbial attacks, compromising storage . Optimal harvest times vary by onion type; for dry bulb production, harvest when 50-80% of the plant tops have weakened and bent .
Pre-harvest practices such as the suspension of irrigation 15 days before harvest can enhance onion bulb storage quality by promoting proper maturity and reducing moisture content, which is associated with storage longevity . In contrast, excessive moisture prior to harvest can lead to spoiled storage conditions due to fungal growth and decay . Proper weed and soil residue management also minimize pathogen presence during storage .
Onion bulbs have specific physiological characteristics that affect their post-harvest storage, including low respiratory and transpiration rates and minimal ethylene production . These factors contribute to their longevity in storage. Bulbs are sensitive to ethylene, but at low sensitivity levels, which also aids in storage . Proper storage conditions (0°C, 65-75% humidity, using modified atmospheres) can extend shelf life up to 8 months .
Monitoring the onion maturity index is critical to ensure optimal harvest timing, which influences bulb quality and shelf life. The index is measured by leaf condition—such as 50% leaf dieback or 50-80% curvatures—indicating the beginning of physiological maturity . This assessment prevents premature harvest that could lead to poor quality and storage issues or too late, causing deterioration risks .
Soil preparation is vital for direct seeding due to the need for optimal soil contact with seeds, which differs from transplant methods where seedlings are already established . Good soil tilth facilitates seed germination and early plant establishment, crucial for direct seeding . For transplanted onions, soil still needs to be prepared, but the focus is more on providing a nurturing environment for roots than seed-soil contact . Both methods benefit from nutrient-rich, loose, sandy soils .
Nutrient management plays a crucial role in onion crop quality and yield. Adequate phosphorus and potassium should be incorporated into the soil to support root development and bulb growth, respectively . Nitrogen levels should be managed to avoid excessive vegetative growth at the expense of bulb formation, typically applied during early growth stages . Balanced nutrient supply enhances bulb size, weight, and overall quality .
Implementing sprinkler irrigation for onions offers benefits such as even water distribution, which supports uniform bulb growth and reduces disease risk from water contact on leaves . Challenges include the initial setup costs and the need for system maintenance to ensure consistent coverage . There's also the risk of inefficient water use if not properly managed . These systems require careful scheduling, especially in sandy soils prone to leaching .
Modified atmosphere storage benefits onion storage by slowing down metabolism due to reduced oxygen (3%) and increased carbon dioxide (5%) environments, maintaining freshness for up to 8 months . Challenges include maintaining specific gas concentrations consistently and the initial cost of setting up such systems . Incorrect gas levels could lead to spoilage or quality loss, so monitoring is crucial .
Environmental conditions critically affect post-harvest onion quality. High temperatures and humidity can increase respiration rates, leading to faster spoilage and weight loss . Conversely, optimal storage conditions (0°C, 65-75% humidity) reduce metabolic activities, preserving the bulb's firmness and preventing disease . Improper environmental control post-harvest can cause microbial growth and loss of protective scales, affecting the overall market quality of the onions .
Achieving quality onion bulbs depends on several key factors, including appropriate climatic conditions (photoperiod, temperature, and latitude relevant to bulb formation), soil quality (loose, sandy soils being optimal), and nutrient management (proper levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Additionally, pest and disease control, especially managing thrips and mildew, are essential to maintaining bulb quality . Finally, water management is critical, where consistent moisture is required during growth, but irrigation should decrease as harvest approaches to promote maturity .
