W Sumatra BPTP Develops Onion Seeds from Kernel

id W Sumatra BPTP Develops Onion Seeds from Kernel

W Sumatra BPTP Develops Onion Seeds from Kernel

Onions. (Antara)

Arosuka, (Antara Sumbar) - Agricultural Technology Research Institute (BPTP) of West Sumatra, is developing seeds of onion from kernel in order to maximize the production of farmers in the area.

West Sumatra BPTP chief Chandra Indrawanto in Arosuka, Wednesday said that the onion seed development technology program is divided into two types namely True Seed of Shallot (TSS) with two varieties of Bima Brebes and Trisula and Proliga (Double Fold Program).

With the program of seeds of onion from kernel, it can save the cost of producing seeds much cheaper and with yields up to two to three times.

"Because many people complain about the expensive seeds," he said.

Agricultural Science Park (TSP) will be used as field labor for community in learning onion farmers in terms of onion seed development technology.

"TSP is a place for dissemination of Balitbang technology, which is suitable for the needs of plants in West Sumatra in TSP. The development of red onion seeds is done because Alahan Panjang, Solok, is used as the center of Sumatran onion," he explained.

Researcher in Balitbang Ministry of Agriculture Yudi Sastro said that seeds of onion with kernel is more resistant to pests of disease than the seeds of tubers.

"In addition, the seeds can be stored for longer, many years if stored in the refrigerator, rather than tubers that can rot and not last long if it does not be planted immediately," he said.

Superior varieties cultivated by Balitbang with kernel rather than tubers.

"For example, if we are using tuber seeds, it needs 1.2 tons per hectare (the cost of seeds reaches Rp 40 million per hectare), TSS only requires 3 to 5 kilograms at a price of only Rp15 million per hectare," he continued.

The double folding program in addition to fulfill plant population, requires proper fertilization, and light trap for insect pests to be caught. So, the input for seedlings is about 40 days. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika