PRODUCTIVITY OF SHALLOT ONION (ALLIUM ASCALONICUM L.) ACCESSIONS IN THE AGROCLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

The article presents the results of field trials of shallot onion (Allium ascalonicum L.) accessions conducted under the agroecological conditions of southeastern Kazakhstan. The aim of the study was a comprehensive evaluation of productivity, morphological, and agronomic traits in order to identify the most promising accessions for further use in breeding programs and agricultural production. The experiments were carried out in a competitive variety testing nursery using conventional cultivation practices under open-field conditions.

Productivity was assessed based on the following parameters: bulb weight, number of bulbs per cluster, and total yield per unit area. In addition, marketability, morphological characteristics, and the duration of the growing season were evaluated.

The analysis of the obtained data revealed significant differences among the studied accessions in terms of yield level, bulb size, and cluster formation, indicating a high degree of genetic variability. Among the tested accessions, K-157 demonstrated the highest yield (31.1 t/ha) compared to the standard cultivars Kainarsky and Vodoley and was also characterized by high cluster formation (8–9 bulbs per cluster). Based on a combination of economically valuable traits, including yield, average bulb weight, and marketability, accession P-40 (29.3 t/ha, 45.4 g, 92.8%) was identified as the most promising.

The results obtained allowed the identification of promising accessions recommended for cultivation under regional conditions and for use in breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding varieties with large bulbs and high market quality.