Post-harvest losses in different varieties of onion

Abstract

Onion varieties (Bhima Kiran, Bhima Raj, Bhima Red, Bhima Shakti, Bhima Shubra, Bhima Shweta and Bhima Super) were evaluated for storage losses during rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15. All the varieties were grown under similar conditions and stored at ambient conditions in a modified bottom and top ventilated storage structure. Total losses were found significantly less in B. Kiran (26.66%) and B. Shakti (35.87%) after four months of storage, whereas no significant difference was observed among these two varieties. In the year 2014-15, the bulbs were analyzed for rate of respiration and total phenol content. No significant difference was observed in rate of respiration at the beginning of storage. Total phenol content was significantly high in B. Raj (186.33 mg GAE/100g) followed by B. Kiran (138.64 mg GAE/100g), B. Shakti (137.09 mg GAE/100g), B. Shweta (114.29 mg GAE/100g) and B. Shubra (112.04 mg GAE/100g). Significantly low phenol content was observed in B. Red (35.16mg GAE/100 g). During storage, rate of respiration and total phenol content increased up to 60 days of storage and then decreased up to 90 days.