Varietal characteristics and commercial merits
- Bulb morphology: Medium to large, uniform globe-shaped bulbs with tight, glossy dark-red outer scales.
- Thin neck trait: Characterized by a tight, thin neck that closes completely upon maturity, drastically reducing fungal rot and weight loss during storage.
- Long storage life: Maintains firm bulb condition for 5 to 6 months in ventilated chawl storages with minimal sprouting.
- Pungency and culinary appeal: High total soluble solids (TSS 11-13° Brix) and robust pungency preferred in domestic and export markets.
Nursery management, sowing and transplanting
- Sowing window: Nursery beds are sown in October to November for the main Rabi crop season.
- Seed rate: 8 to 10 kg of certified seed per hectare sown on raised nursery beds treated with Trichoderma bio-fungicide.
- Transplanting: Healthy 45 to 50-day-old seedlings are transplanted into flat beds or broad-bed furrows in December to January at 15cm x 10cm spacing.
- Nutrient management: Balanced application of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur is essential for firm bulb scale development.
Irrigation scheduling, harvesting and curing
Stop irrigation 10 to 15 days before harvest when 50 percent of the field shows natural neck-fall. Harvest carefully during dry sunny weather, field-cure bulbs with foliage for 3 to 5 days, then trim tops leaving 2 to 3 cm of neck. Shade-cure for another 10 to 15 days in well-ventilated structures before grading and storing.
Official source
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ICAR - Directorate of Onion & Garlic Research (DOGR) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What makes Pune Fursungi onion popular among commercial growers?
Pune Fursungi is renowned for its attractive dark-red globe bulbs, high yield, and exceptional storage longevity of up to 5 to 6 months with minimal rotting.
When is the best time to sow Pune Fursungi onion seeds?
For the Rabi season, seeds are sown in nursery beds between mid-October and November, and seedlings are transplanted in December-January.
Why is field curing important before storing Pune Fursungi onions?
Curing dries the outer skins into protective papery scales and completely seals the bulb neck, preventing pathogens from entering and causing rot in storage.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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