Plant population is linked to yield potential. In some cases, the yield potential may be the same for different populations, but the bulb size will differ. In other instances, the yield can be lower. Where the yield can be the same, choose the plant population that suits the target market; this can affect sales and price.
If the plant population is too high, many of the onions will not form a bulb and will be below marketable size. They may also develop a torpedo shape, which markets do not accept.
When this happens, you don’t only lose the unmarketable bulbs, you also compromise the yield, as the unmarketable plants use up the sunlight that would otherwise have enabled the plants alongside to make larger bulbs.
This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 20 August 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 20 August 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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