The effect of growth temperature on dry weight and carbohydrate content of onion (Allium cepa L. cv. Creamgold) bulbs

Abstract

Onion bulbs (Allium cepa L. cv. Creamgold), grown in a phytotron from seed, had a dry weight as percentage of fresh weight that decreased as growth temperatures increased from 22/16 to 33/28¦C day/night. There were no significant differences between growth temperatures in the fructose, sucrose or fructan content and, although glucose content was higher at high temperatures, there was no correlation of total carbohydrate content with growth temperature. The sum of fructose, glucose and sucrose per unit tissue water was constant between temperatures, suggesting that the mono- and disaccharide content may control the bulb water content. These results, from controlled-environment tests, predict that in the field the best yield of dry weight as a percentage of fresh weight will be obtained at low growth temperatures.