Evaluation of the Postharvest Storage Performance of Six Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties under Ambient Storage Conditions in Bambey, Senegal

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa L.) storability is important for reducing postharvest losses and maintaining market availability in Senegal. This study evaluated the postharvest performance of six onion varieties under ambient storage conditions in Bambey. The varieties were Violet de Galmi, Gandiol+, Safari, Texas Early Grano, Red Bombay and VDG American. Field production was undertaken during the 2021–2022 cool off-season using a randomised complete block design with three replicates. After harvest, bulb dry matter content was determined, and weight loss, sprouting and rot were assessed during storage. Dry matter content did not differ significantly among varieties (p = 0.069), although VDG American recorded the highest numerical value (13.24%) and Texas Early Grano the lowest (8.69%). In the storage analysis, VDG American exhibited the lowest numerical weight loss (10.91%), with no recorded sprouting or rot. Safari also had relatively low weight loss (11.61%), no sprouting and a rot rate of 2.22%. Red Bombay showed the highest sprouting (24.33%) and rot (31.11%), while Texas Early Grano had the highest numerical weight loss (32.49%). Varietal differences in sprouting were significant (p < 0.001), whereas those in weight loss and rot were not significant at the 5% level. Under the conditions assessed, VDG American and Safari showed favourable storage performance, although further evaluations are required before broader recommendations can be made.