Preliminary Analysis of the Onion Seed (Allium cepa, L.) Production Problem, 1966 Growing Season1

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Abstract
The discovery of cytoplasmic male sterility in onions, and its application to commercial seed production, was a major breakthrough in vegetable breeding. Initial use of this new technique was moderately successful and seedsmen assumed that experience would lead to higher seed yields. Instead, yields have been disappointing; many fields have not even been harvested. The resulting economic problem has become serious for both seedsmen and onion producers. Many suggestions have been made as to the cause of low yields but there is no agreement on the biological nature of the problem. Therefore, during the 1966 growing season we began to analyze the problem by following the development of the seed crops in commercial fields in southwestern Idaho. We believe our methods and preliminary data may be useful in stimulating other workers to also examine this problem.

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