Related Experiment Videos
Changes in non-structural carbohydrate composition during bulbing in sweet and high-solid onions in field experiments
R Kahane1, E Vialle-Guérin, I Boukema
1COOPD'OR R and D, INRA GAP, B.V. 86510, 21065 Cedex, Dijon, France
Environmental and Experimental Botany
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Genetics, not environment, dictates non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content in onion bulbs, with glucose strongly linked to genotype. Onion breeding can leverage these genetic factors for improved quality.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are crucial for plant energy storage and quality.
- Understanding NSC composition in onion (Allium cepa) germplasm is vital for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) composition in long-day onion germplasm.
- To determine the influence of genetic versus environmental factors on NSC content.
- To identify key NSC components and their correlations with dry matter and bulbing patterns.
Main Methods:
- Multi-year, bi-location field trials were conducted on diverse onion germplasm.
- Analysis of NSC components including glucose, fructose, sucrose, and fructans (e.g., 1-kestose).
- Statistical correlation analysis between NSC components, dry matter content (DM), and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors predominantly determined NSC composition, with glucose showing the strongest genotype correlation.
- Environmental influence was significant only for fructose levels.
- High dry matter (DM) onion accessions exhibited sustained fructan accumulation, while low DM accessions reached a plateau early.
Conclusions:
- Onion bulb NSC composition is primarily under genetic control, offering targets for breeding.
- Glucose content is a reliable indicator of genotype within onion germplasm.
- Understanding fructan accumulation patterns related to DM can guide breeding strategies for enhanced onion quality.