रबी सीजन

Maharashtra is a major onion producing state of India. Here production of onions is done on a large scale. Here, onions are cultivated three times a year. Nashik, Pune, Solapur, Dhule and Ahmednagar are considered strongholds in the state for onion production. At present, Rabi season onion planting has started in Maharashtra. Farmers cultivate maximum onion in the state and here Asia’s largest onion market is in Lasalgaon, Nashik. Generally, cultivation of onions is done only once a year in different states. But it is nothing like here in Maharashtra. Three crops are done during a year in the state. Here it is produced in Kharif, post-Kharif and in Rabi season. Onions are a cash crop in Maharashtra. A majority of farmers here depend on its cultivation. Farmers get maximum production of onion in the Rabi season. 

When is the sowing of the second season of onion done?

The second season of  onion is sown in the month of october-november , which is currently being done in the state. It gets ready in between January and march. The third crop of onion is Rabi, which is sown in December-January. At the same time, it is harvested from March to May. 60 percent of total production of onion in the state occurs in Rabi season only. 

Onion is produced in large quantities in these districts of Maharashtra.  

Onion is cultivated most in Jalgaon, Dhule, Ahmednagar, Satara, Nashik, Pune and Solapur districts of Maharashtra. At the same time, farmers cultivate this crop in Marathwada district of Maharashtra. Nashik is famous for producing onions not only in Maharashtra but all over India. Out of its total production in India, 37 percent of onion is produced in Maharashtra and 10 percent of the onion production in the state is done only in Nashik.

What should be the soil for onion cultivation?

According to agricultural scientists, onions can be cultivated in different types of soil. But, excellent yield is obtained only in soils like clay, sand, loamy, gar and brown soil. To get high yield in onion cultivation, there should be good drainage facilities in the field.

What type of land should it be?

To prepare for the cultivation , first plowing of the land should be done three to four times. Also, add rotten manure to increase the amount of organic matter in the soil. After this, divide the field into small plots. Planting should be done on a 1.2 meter wide strip at a height of 15 cm from the land surface. 

How much fertilizers should be used?

Onion crop requires a large amount of nutrients. Manure and fertilizer should be used in onion crops on the basis of soil test. Rotten cow dung manure should be used in the field at the rate of 20-25 tonnes per hectare from one-two months before planting.

Great onion varieties and pruning time.

Bhima Shweta: This variety of white onion is already approved for Rabi season, this variety gives an average yield of 18-20 tonnes in Kharif while it gives an average yield of 26-30 tonnes in Rabi.

Bhima Super: This red onion variety has been identified for production in the Kharif season. It can also be grown as a late crop in the Kharif season. This variety gets ripe in a time interval of 95-100 days. Its production is approximately 20-22 tonnes per hectare.

Talking about the right time to prune onions, the right time to remove onions from the fields is when the moisture in the plant gets exhausted and its bulb starts coming up almost on its own.

Trichoderma's miraculous benefits in agriculture and horticulture

Trichoderma is a species of fungi that is continuously playing an important role in agriculture and horticulture due to its diverse beneficial effects on plants. This versatile group of fungi is becoming very rapidly popular for its mycoparitic, biocontrol and properties promoting plant growth.

1. Mycoparasitic Capabilities

Trichoderma species are skillful mycoparasites, which means they parasitize and control the development of other fungi. This characteristic is particularly valuable in agriculture, where pathogens produced by soil cause significant damage to the crop. The same species of Trichoderma actively attack and inhibit their growth by competing with nutrients and harmful fungi to the location.

Also read: Mustard crop disease and prevention measures

2. Biocontrol agent

Trichoderma serves as a natural biocontrol agent against a wide range of pathogens of plants, including the species of fusarium, rhizoctonia and pythium. Trichoderma establishes a protective barrier, which prevents pathogenic fungi from infecting the roots of plants. This bio -control mechanism reduces the need for synthetic chemical fungicide, promotes durable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

 3. Inclusion of the protection mechanism of plants

Trichoderma induces the plant's own defence mechanism, increasing its immunity to diseases. Fungi stimulates the production of various defence-related compounds, such as phytoalexins and pathogenesis, proteins in plants. This systemic resistance helps crops to withstand infection and stress, which contributes to the overall health of plants.

4. Nutrient solubility

Some species of  Trichoderma display the ability to solve essential nutrients such as phosphorus, iron zinc as well as other micronutrients such as other micronutrients, making them more available to plants. This nutrient solubility increases the growth and development of plants, especially in the decreased soil, and reduces the requirement of synthetic fertilisers.

Also read: Why is the government's fertiliser subsidy bill increasing?

5. Advanced root development

Trichoderma promotes root growth and branches by producing substances that promote oxin and other plants. Better root systems result in better nutrients and water eclipses, which increases the strength and overall crop productivity of the plants.

6. Stress Tolerance

Trichoderma helps plants to deal with various environmental stresses, such as drought, salinity and excessive temperature. The symbiotic relationship between Trichoderma and plants can increase the ability to adapt and survive in the challenging conditions of the plants, eventually producing more flexible crops.

7. Bio -degradation of organic matter

 Trichoderma species contribute to the dissolution of organic matter in the soil. They secrete enzymes that facilitate the decomposition of organic residues, making the nutrients back into the soil. This recycling process improves soil composition and fertility, creating a favourable environment for the growth of plants.

Also read: Use organic manure and increase crop yield, farmers here are taking full benefits

8. Professional use

Trichoderma-based bio-fungal and bio-fertilizers have gained popularity in the agricultural industry. These commercial products containing live trichoderma inoculants are planted on seeds, soil or plant surfaces to provide various benefits above. Farmers are increasingly integrating these biological agents into their crop management practices to promote sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

9. Biological control of nematodes

Some Trichoderma strains display anti-activity against plant-parasitic nematodes. This bio -control capacity is valuable in the management of nematode infections, which is harmful to crop health.

10. Seed Treatment

Trichoderma-based formulation is used to protect seed treatment, protect seeds from soil-related pathogens and promote seedling installation. These preventive measures contribute to making crops healthy from the initial phase of development.

Summary

The versatile advantages of Trichoderma in agriculture and gardening arise from its mycopo -suitable capabilities, bio -control mechanisms, plant defence reactions, nutrient solutions, promoting root growth, increasing stress tolerance and contributing to organic matter decomposition. As the agricultural sector continues to adopt durable practices, the use of Trichoderma-based products is playing an important role in promoting plant health, reducing chemical inputs and ensuring food security.