Argentina releases new onions for humid environments - FreshFruitPortal.com

Argentina releases new onions for humid environments

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Argentina releases new onions for humid environments

Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) has presented two onion varieties that are able to grow in very humid conditions, with the aim of supporting small growers in certain parts of the country.Ā onions_65960104 small

INTA representatives in the central region of Entre Rios presented the cultivars Pire hata INTA and Mbarete INTA, which it claims can grow normally in areas that regularly experience 70% humidity.

The varieties are also noted for their tolerance to fungal diseases like Botrytis and mildew.

Juan Valiente, a specialist who obtained the onion varieties, said the biggest current problem was that traditional cultivars normally originated from lower altitude regions with relatively little humidity.

"We will propose these varieties as alternatives for small producers in areas with high humidity such as Entre Rios, Corrientes, Chaco, Misiones, and much of Santa Fe," he said.

The Pire hata INTA, meaning 'hard skin' in the Guarani language, has a short cycle lasting roughly five to six months from planting to harvest. It is an early variety and is known for its good postharvest condition.

The Mbarete INTA, meaning 'strong' in Guarani, and also has a relatively short cycle.

Valiente also mentioned that both varieties' plants had leaves pointing upwards, which meant rain water did not linger around on the crop and lead to dieases.

He went on to say that the two varieties achieved their maximum yield potential when daily humidity levels reached 70%.

"According to our field measurements, we obtained an average of 20,000 kilos per hectare with medium-sized bulbs, and with direct seeding yields doubled to 40 [metric] tons per hectare," he said.

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