Onions are one of the important economic export crops that generate lucrative income for farmers. Onions are used for human nutrition and medicinal purposes. They are also one of the crops that do not require much effort to cultivate, as they take a period not exceeding 3 months and are harvested and planted next to the white bean crop.
Engineer Ashraf Naseer, Director General of Agriculture in Sharqia, says that onions are one of the important economic crops, as they generate a lucrative income for the farmer, and onions are used for human nutrition and medical purposes, and that 205 acres have been cultivated so far. The total cultivated area this year 2024-2025 is 15 thousand acres and more. By farmers, demand for it has increased in the last two years due to its high price in the markets.
Regarding the stages of growing onions, he said: “The stage of bulb production,” and seeds are formed in the second growing season. “The stage of seed production” and pollination with insects. Onions are grown either singly or intercropped with other crops.
He explained the most important information about growing onions in Egypt, including planting onions in the same place for several consecutive years. It is very dangerous, as white mold, pink mold, and neck rot are endemic in the soil. It is recommended to plant onions for two consecutive years in the same land, then change the cultivation in the third year, and return again. Another to plant it in the following year, and so on. Also, not disinfecting seedlings and bulbs before planting with a fungicide leads to easy infection with root rot, and the bulbs must be disinfected before planting them in The soil is covered with any root disinfectant pesticide, such as Rezolex, at a rate of 1.5 grams per liter of water. This is done by immersing the seedlings in the solution that was prepared in a barrel for 3 seconds, then taking them out for planting. Excessive nitrogen fertilization also leads to the onion’s veins twisting and breaking.
