Project
Effect of Defoliation at Different Crop Ages on Yield of Onion
Details
Project Code:
Not Available
Start Date:
1999
End Date:
2004
CRSP Phase:
Phase 2
Budget:
Not Available
Countries:
Philippines
Participants
Lead University:
Penn State University
Other Partners:
Philippine Rice Research Institute
Principal Investigator(s):
None
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
G.S. Arida, B.S. Punzal, A.A. Duca (Philippine Rice Research Institute) and E.G. Rajotte (Pennsylvania State University
Overview
Researchers conducted a study to determine the effect of totally cutting off different numbers of leaves at different crop ages on bulb size and weight of onion. The experiments were conducted in farmers’ fields in Bongabon and Talavera, Nueva Ecija during 2003 dry season. Onion farmers spray insecticides regardless of crop age and level of damage. This is primarily due to their perception that any level of defoliation will result in significant yield loss. A better understanding of pest damage and yield loss relationship will help them improve their pest management decision-making, especially in onion production.
Objectives
To determine the effect of leaf removal at different crop ages on yield of onion.
Outcomes
Knowledge on the number of leaves destroyed and stage of crop growth that is critical to yield will help farmers in improving their pest management decision-making especially on the proper timing of insecticide application to reduce insecticide inputs.