ADAPTABILITY STUDY OF IMPROVED ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) VARIETIES AT SOUTH ARI WOREDA OF SOUTH OMO ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Onion varieties were evaluated for adaptability to the climatic conditions in South Ari woreda. Three varieties of onion were planted under a complete randomized block design experiment with three replications at research field in Jinka Agricultural research Center (South Ari woreda of South Omo zone SNNPRS of Ethiopia). The quantitative data on bulb yield, plant height, bulb size and number of leaves of onion varieties were collected. All the varieties were harvested at their maturity (90% tops down) and then weighed. Statistical methods were used for data analysis where by analysis of variance was applied. It was concluded that the three varieties (treatment) combinations, namely Adama red, Nasick red and contribute similarly to the total yield, plant height, number of leaves and bulb size. The variety local was the best onion variety as it produced the highest bulb yield of 3.3167 kg/plot numerically. Based on varietal characteristics of relative bulb size, good yield, easy availability of seeds and cheaper price of seeds in the local market, we recommend farmers to use local variety followed by Nasick red and Adama red therefore, government should promote these onion varieties for cultivation in South Ari especially for jinka and its vicinity. Government can import to ensure the availability of Local and Nasick red varieties so that farmers can be motivated for adoption of these varieties for commercial production. The effects of different planting dates on the yield of onion varieties can be considered for future research.