The effect of planting density and genotype on onion seedling production under hydroponic cultivation conditions.

Document Type : scientific research article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student in Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 . Corresponding Author, Associate Prof., Dept. of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Background and objectives: The production of onion seedlings in the hot climatic conditions of Ahvaz during late summer and early autumn has faced challenges. To achieve the above goals, a study was conducted to examine onion seedling production. In this experiment, two important factors were investigated: genotype and planting density. One alternative strategy for seedling production in controlled conditions is the use of LED lamps. The aim of this study is to determine the suitable genotype and density for producing marketable seedlings under artificial lighting to enhance community food security and ensure sustainable onion production.

Materials and methods: To investigate the effects of density and onion genotype on seedling production in hydroponic cultivation under LED light, an experiment was conducted in 2023 in the growth chamber of the Horticultural Science and Engineering Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The experiment was carried out in a factorial arrangement within a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor included an Iranian onion genotype (Ramhormozi) and imported cultivars (Primavera, and Enza) and the second factor consisted of four density levels (1, 2, 6, and 12 plants per cell in a cultivation tray). Immediately after seed germination, the 105-cell cultivation trays (with a total experimental area of 4 square meters) were transferred to the growth chamber under LED light (a combination of blue and red lamps in a 50:50 ratio) with a light intensity of 300 µmol/m²/s. After 60 days, samples were taken from the seedlings, and traits such as shoot height, root length, leaf area, bulb diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and vitamin C were calculated during the 2023 growing season at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The obtained results were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software and Duncan's multiple range test at a 5% probability level.

Results: The results indicated that the effects of genotype, planting density, and their interaction were significant for all examined traits. The highest seedling bulb diameter was observed at a density of 1 plant per cell, while the lowest was recorded at 12 plants per cell. The maximum shoot and root weights were found in the Enza Cultivar. The highest leaf area (16 cm²) was observed in the Enza Cultivar at 1 plant per cell, and the lowest (6.3 cm²) in the Ramhormozi genotype at 12 plants per cell. The Enza Cultivar at 2 plants per cell (2.1 mg/g) and the Primavera Cultivar at 2 plants per cell (0.22 mg/g) showed the highest and lowest chlorophyll a content, respectively. The highest ascorbic acid level was obtained from the Primavera Cultivar at 6 plants per cell (15.98 mg/g), and the lowest from the Enza Cultivar at 6 plants per cell (15.94 mg/g).

Conclusion: All germinated seeds across treatments remained healthy until the end of seedling growth and were capable of producing field-ready plants. The results demonstrate that onion seedling production using LED lamps is feasible, but the quality and quantity of seedlings are influenced by genotype and planting density.

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References

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Journal of Plant Production Research
Volume 32, Issue 4
January 2026
Pages 127-146

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