Dutch selection of onion salad heracles description. How to grow onion Sturon: description of the variety, planting and care. Planting and care for onions

Despite the fact that onions on a turnip can be grown from seeds, most gardeners prefer to plant onion sets, bought in a store or on the market. This removes the storage problem. planting material, and cultivation through sevka is convenient and not burdensome. Onions from sevka require less maintenance than in seed reproduction. He needs less to weed, as fast-growing plants crowd out weeds, and water, because its powerful root system   more resistant to drought. Such a bow is more resistant to weather conditions, diseases and pests, its bulbs ripen faster and are stored better, and the difference in maturity can be about a month.

The main commercial producers of onion breeders do not choose varieties for organic farming, but exclusively for conventional farming. Seed companies believe that the organic market is too small to justify investing in breeding in this sector. To examine whether their varieties meet the requirements of organic farmers, we interviewed four Dutch commercial onion breeders for their breeding program and selection criteria, and compared the results with a variety made up of priority organic Dutch farmers.

The main condition for high yields is right choice   planting material.

Holland is undoubtedly the trendsetter in growing onion sets. Several large specialized farms are engaged in breeding. onions, the cultivation of high-quality onion seeds and from them - onion sets, which are supplied to all of Europe and most of Russia. Thanks to modern agricultural cultivation and complex drying and sorting complexes, we have the opportunity to receive high-quality onion sets from abroad every year. All onions coming from abroad are subject to strict phytosanitary control, and each variety is packed in a separate container with a label and has a variety certificate.

Breeders gave priority to the same storage and onion quality required by organic farmers, since organic onions are exported to regular supermarkets, which apply the same quality standards to organic and traditional onions. However, organic farmers also need varieties that work well in the field. Breeders pay little attention to field selection. In addition, three out of four seed companies only propagate hybrids. The system of cytoplasmic male sterility used to manufacture these hybrids does not comply with organic principles.

Growing and selling onion seedlings in Russia are mainly engaged in private farms, which lack the ability to comply with the technology of growing and storing onion seedlings in full. Therefore, often buying Russian-made onions, we can not always be sure of the quality of planting material: as a rule, such a bow is badly dried, infected with onion mite (which leads to drying of the onions), etc. The quality control of Russian onions grown in private farms is practically absent, and unfortunately, we do not always get the onions specified by the seller.

We concluded that breeders can now provide varieties that meet organic farmers' requirements for preservation and quality, but they should pay closer attention to the selection of the field in order to also improve the required characteristics of the fields. The latter will only happen if the market for organic seeds grows in the future. If the organic sector wants varieties to develop in accordance with its own principles, it must either create its own onion breeding program, or seek alliances with breeding companies that are ready to harmonize their breeding techniques with organic principles.

That is why when buying onion sets, we prefer onions from Holland.

Onion sets from Holland:

Stuttgarter Riesen   - Early ripening, popular, high-yielding, single-seed variety, from regrowth of sevka to harvesting 66-73 days. Forms large, flat-rounded bulbs weighing 150-180 g, yellow-brown in color, spicy taste. The variety is resistant to rifle and downy mildew. Universal use, well stored, contains a lot of dry matter with ascorbic acid. The distance between the plants in a row of 10 cm, 25 cm aisle.

How to grow Sturon

Organic onion growers in the Netherlands rely on regular breeding programs for new varieties. However, it is argued that farmers will benefit from plant breeding programs that specifically develop varieties suitable for use in organic production systems. Two main arguments are used to support this thesis. The first argument is that organic farmers perceive and appreciate the specific characteristics of diversity as compared to regular peers.

Sturon   - Improved Stuttgarter Riesen. Medium early, very popular in Europe variety, with rounded large onions of spicy taste and yellow-brown color. Very well kept. This variety is designed for growing north of latitude 38 degrees. It has very even quality bulbs, suitable for professional cultivation. Differs in high productivity.

Growing onions "Sturon"

Currently, onion breeders choose their varieties depending on the needs of the mainstream market. Therefore, the phenotypes of these varieties may not correspond to the ideal that organic farmers have in mind. Secondly, it is argued that if cultivation occurs under conditions of organic cultivation, this will lead to varieties that are better adapted to organic farming than current varieties selected under normal conditions. In this article, we explore the first cause of a bow case in the Netherlands.


Centurion   - Recommended for growing on a turnip in a two-year culture from the sevka. Medium early. Bulb broadly ovoid, weighing 110-150 g. Dry brown scales, their number is 3-4, juicy - white. The neck is of medium thickness. One - dvuzhatchatkovy. The taste is spicy. Turnip commodity yield 252-420 c / ha. The maximum yield of 580 c / ha. Maturation after ripening 100%. Suitable for storage.

Organic farmers have a different idea of ​​the ideal set of characteristics of the variety compared to ordinary farmers, since organic farming systems differ from conventional farming systems. In the temperate climate of the Netherlands, especially at the beginning of the growing season, lower quantities of nutrients in the soil are available for absorption by onion crops in organic farming systems than in conventional systems. This requires a better collection of resources at the expense of harvest, an increase in the production of biomass per unit of nutrient consumed, and in some cases even more efficient production of high-yielding products per unit of biomass produced.


Red baron   - A variety of red onions. The bulb is round, weighing 50–90 g. Dry scales are red, juicy are dark red. The taste is semi-sharp. Particularly valuable for stable yields and excellent maturity. Well kept. Red onions are usually sweeter than yellow.

In addition, a more varied rotation pattern with a lower onion frequency and the absence of synthetic pesticides can also lead to a change in the frequency and severity of priority pests and diseases. In addition, organically grown onions are stored differently compared to plain onionsand this will emphasize the need for more peace. Also processing methods and consumer preferences can vary between organic and traditional production chain.

Dutch breeders usually ask if the organic sector needs varieties with traits that differ from the characteristics that are considered desirable for the conventional sector. Most of them share the view that resistance to pests and diseases is a top priority for organic systems, since organic farmers do not use synthetic pesticides. They argue that this is no different from their own goals, because the selection of sustainability is a priority in the normal breeding program.


Carmen   - Early ripe two-three-seed variety. It forms a rounded flat, dense onions, weighing 50-70 g. The bulb has a dark red color. It contains a lot of dry matter, sugars and vitamin C. Onions are 100% ripe and have good keeping quality. Used for fresh consumption, home cooking and canning. Low-sharp taste bulbs are especially good in salads and fresh vegetable dishes.

Video "Description of varieties"

Some breeders have slightly changed their minds over the years due to experience with organic research. Those who have shown to correct their views recognize that, although the corresponding traits are the same, their relative importance may differ between organic and conventional agriculture. Nevertheless, they are confident that they can supply varieties that also have specific characteristics that are of priority to farmers. This confidence is based on the fact that they multiply in different markets and therefore have many different varieties   in stock.


Stardust   - Medium early productive variety   white salad onions. Forms large rounded bulbs weighing 100-140 g. The primordity and nestingness are small. Coloring dry and juicy scales - white. It has a pleasant delicate flavor. Productivity to 6 kg / sq.m. Well kept.

According to the breeders, the variety of varieties currently available is large enough to meet the demands of all markets, including the organic sector in the Netherlands. Creating special breeding programs for the organic sector will require large financial investments. In the Netherlands, almost all breeding is carried out by commercial seed companies. These companies believe that the organic market is too small to justify such investments. Such investments also do not make sense if it can be expected that the varieties developed in the current situation are adapted to the conditions of organic growth and contain the features required by organic farmers.


Shetana   - The variety is middle-ripening: the ripening period from germination to technical ripeness is from 90 to 105 days. Onions have a rounded shape, dense texture and medium size. Their weight is 75-95 grams. It has a semi-sharp taste.

In this article, we analyze the selection criteria applied by Dutch onion breeders and compare them with the varieties of which Dutch organic onion producers are priorities. The purpose of the study was to assess whether the Dutch onion breeding sector could potentially supply onion varieties required by organic farmers.

Collection and storage

We followed the example. This approach allowed us to study the object of our research, the cultivation of onions for organic farming, its complexity and its context. The method of onions is produced in the Netherlands under ordinary and organic conditions and how they are used is considered part of the context. The profile of an ideal onion variety, perceived by farmers, was used as a guideline against which the goals and practices of breeders were compared. Information was collected using various methods. They included semi-structured interviews with breeders and key informants, group discussions with farmers, and literature and an online survey.


Shallot   - Differs in early ripeness, quickly grows after planting and after 25 ... 30 days is already suitable for cutting. Bulbs in the zone temperate climate   ripen in 70 ... 80 days after planting and can be used in summer, when there is a lack of onion turnips. Productivity is high: green onions get up to 5 kg from 1 m, onions up to 3. The chemical composition of shallots is close to onions: rich in mineral salts of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron. It contains a number of trace elements necessary for the human body. In the bulbs and leaves are essential oils, volatile production, vitamins - carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and others.

The ideal profile of organic diversity perceived by farmers

Traits that organic farmers consider key in onion varieties were first identified at a meeting with members of the onion commission of the Nautilus cooperative. At that time, about 140 out of 200 farmers engaged in the cultivation of organic fields were members of this cooperative. The results of discussions with the onion commission were summarized in the form of organic diversity. To check whether this profile is representative of a wider group of farmers, it was discussed during public field meetings in two large onion growing regions.


Bamberger   - The variety is middle-ripened, with rounded elongated bulbs, weighing about 80 g. The bulbs are “rosy”, yellow in color, and a remarkable, slightly acrid taste. Well kept. Great for growing on greens.


Participant breeders and study their priority features and selection approach

Both organic farmers and breeders participated in these meetings. In total, about 30 farmers were involved in the discussion of the profile of onion varieties. The domestic market for onion seeds is dominated by five Dutch companies, of which four companies agreed to conduct an interview. All four breeders were interviewed in their office, and three of them conducted additional interviews on the field in one of their nurseries. Two companies also interviewed an employee of commercial staff. The interviews were semi-structured and contained the following topics: a selection program and selection criteria, their varieties and features, future priorities and cultivation for organic farming.

Hercules   - A hybrid with the largest round bulb. Grows well throughout Russia. Medium early. Bulb broadly, weighing up to 160 g. Dry scales (there are about 3-4) - yellow, succulent scales - white. The neck is of medium thickness. The taste is spicy. Very well kept.


As in all these topics, the main features played a central role, which made it possible to cross-check the information provided. In addition, we studied the catalogs and websites of companies. At the same time, they were asked to give priority assessments on various grounds.

Dutch Organic Bulb Production

In the Netherlands, organic bulbs are mainly grown by large crop farmers. In this article we deal only with direct onion sowing, as this is the main way to establish the harvest. Most of the bows are stored to provide markets for the maximum possible period of the year.

New varieties:

Corrado   - early-ripening variety (73-93 days), sharp. The bulb is rounded-flat, sometimes with an upward runoff, moderately Wheel, golden yellow in color. The weight of the onion is 100-120g. Stored until the new harvest.


Cupido   - The period from full germination to mass lodging leaves 81 days. Bulb elliptical, weighing 109 g. Coloring onions dry scales straw yellow, semi-sharp. The yield of onion sowing 40.9 t / ha. Onion maturation after ripening 93-100%. The onion quality is good.

Agrotehnika cultivation stitching Sturon

Dutch onion breeders work internationally. This makes the domestic seed market important to Dutch breeders. Currently, four out of five major onion breeding companies only propagate hybrid varieties for the Dutch market. System hybrid breeding Onions are based on cytoplasmic male sterility in combination with fertility restorer genes. This system is naturally present in onion populations, albeit at low frequencies. The smallest breeder continues to breed only open pollinated varieties.


Rumba- Recommended for growing on a turnip in a two-year culture from the sevka. Mid-season variety. Bulb rounded, weighing 100-120 g. Dry brown scales, juicy - white, the number of dry scales 4-5. The neck is medium thick to thick, single-double stitched. The taste is spicy. Marketable yield 190-316 c / ha, 10-30 c / ha higher than the standard Stuttgarter Riesen. The maximum yield of 379 c / ha. Maturation before harvest 94%, after maturation 99%.

Each breeding company gathered local elections, and they form the basis of their hybrid breeding programs. None of the Dutch seed companies conduct a breeding program specifically for organic farming. They believe that the current organic market is too small to justify such investments. Due to growing market prospects, two companies began testing their breeding materials on organic farms. Another company continues to test its inbred lines and hybrids in an organic nursery.

Onion breeding and organic principles

Although this debate is not yet complete, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, the global umbrella organization for organic farming, has developed draft standards. For onion propagation, a discussion on the use of hybrid varieties is relevant. First of all, unfermented hybrids do not allow farmers to reproduce their own seeds and, thus, achieve closed system   on his farm. Ultimately, the prevention of the exchange of genetic resources between breeders will limit the genetic base of breeding programs.


Alpha   - Recommended for growing on a turnip in a two-year culture from the sevka. Early ripe variety. Bulb round, weighing 90-120 g. Dry scales brown, juicy - white with a yellowish tinge, dry scales 4-5. The neck is thin to medium thickness, single-twin. The taste is spicy. Commercial yield 176-236 t / ha, at the level of the standard Stuttgarter Riesen. Maximum yield - 393 kg / ha. Maturation before harvest is 80%, after maturation 100%.


Shakespeare   - Mid-season variety winter onions. Bulb of medium size, rounded shape, with yellow-brown integumentary scales. The flesh is juicy, snow-white, dense, semi-sharp taste. Compared with other varieties of onions, it tolerates the winter very well, it has thicker integumentary scales, it is better preserved, it does not have an arrow.


Senshui -Late-ripening variety resistant to bolting and downy mildew. The bulbs are flat-rounded, yellow-brown in color. It is characterized by rich yield and good keeping quality. The taste is spicy. Bulbs are large, weighing up to 250 grams. The value of the variety - high yield and good keeping quality.


Rosanna -   Early pink high-yielding variety. Bulbs dense, weighing up to 100-120 g, rounded. Dry scales are pink with yellow spots, the upper juicy scales are pink, and the rest are white, with a semi-sharp taste. The period from germination to lodging leaves is 90 days. Productivity of a grade to 3 kg from meter. Particularly valuable for stable yields and excellent maturity. Well kept.


New 2015 - Russian onion set   varieties Alvin, Globus, Golden Domes, Odintsov, probably known by our gardener, before they were available only in seeds.

These varieties are bred by the All-Russian Research Institute for Breeding and Seed Production. vegetable crops   Rosselkhozakademii (VNIISSOK) - the oldest, leading breeding institutions of Russia and better adapted to Russian conditions.

Alvina   - The variety is mid-season, high-yielding, has a high content of sugars, selenium and quercetin (a biologically active substance of antitumor action). Bulb purple color, dense, juicy, low-spicy taste, excellent taste. Bulb weight 70-150 g. The bed is good.


globe   - The variety is mid-season. The bulb is round, dense, weighing 70-100 g, yellow in color with a brown tinge. Variety of universal destination with a high content of sugars and dry matter. The taste is semi-sharp, the taste is excellent. The quality is high. Differs in good transportability.


Golden domes   - Mid-season interspecific hybrid. The bulb is transversely elliptical, weighing 75-85 g, yellow, dense, the number of buds 2-3. The taste is spicy. Variety of universal destination with a high content of sugars and dry matter. Well kept. Differs in the increased resistance to a peronosporoz.


Odintsovtsy- The variety is mid-season. The bulbs are rounded flat, weighing 60-80 g, golden yellow in color, dense, the number of buds 2-3. The taste is semi-sharp. Variety universal purpose. The quality is good. Resistant to perinospora and cervical rot.


A promising variety, obtained in Holland by a group of breeders, is rapidly gaining increasing popularity among gardeners and large-scale farms for its unpretentious care, long storage period and high-quality quantitative yield.

General characteristics and characteristics of the variety

Sturon is a variety of medium ripening, the stage of technical ripeness of which occurs 110 days after the first shoots were formed.


Bow Sturon has large heads, weighing up to 200 g, provided appropriate care. The ripened, formed fruits are oblong, elliptical in shape with a small plinth and thin, quickly drying neck. The outer layer of the vegetable consists of several layers of scales, which is characterized by density, dryness, golden color with the presence of longitudinal stripes of brownish tint. Internal scales are characterized by density, richness and have a white color with a faint green tint.

The culture is characterized by a pronounced aroma and sharp savory taste.

Therefore, vegetables are widely used for the preparation of various culinary masterpieces and the production of blanks for the winter. Due to its pleasant and exquisite taste, it is used when cooking hot dishes, it is an indispensable ingredient for original salads. Can also be used for freezing and drying.

The description of the Sturon onion variety also includes its merits. The variety is endowed with a number of advantages, due to which it is of exceptional interest among gardeners. Such features positively characterize it:



Due to its characteristics and features, the product is included in the highest price category, which provides decent profit in commercial cultivation.

Dutch cultivation technology

For large, juicy, suitable for the storage of vegetables, it is necessary to observe several important agricultural techniques that relate to planting Sturon. Adhering to certain recommendations, about 10 kg can be collected from a square meter.

To get a rich harvest of the largest specimens, should be grown in two years. In the first year to get a small sevok, and in the future season of it will be formed good harvest   decent products.

Agrotechnics planting seeds for seeding

Seeds are sown in spring in April. When choosing a place for planting, it is necessary to give preference to non-shaded, dry areas with loose sandy loam soil.

The main stages of landing:

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After the germination of seeds, it is necessary to thin the onion to produce a large set.

In the process of growth and development, periodically loosen the soil, remove weeds, water it abundantly and feed with complex fertilizer.

After the wilting of the greenery and the softening of the neck, the chains should be dug and dried. Then, for subsequent planting, select strong, smooth, bulbs with a diameter of about 2 cm without damage. Store indoors, the optimum temperature of which should be 15-19 C, and humidity about 50-70%.

Planting onions in the second year

Planted onion sets Sturon recommend both in spring and winter. Planting winter onions is carried out in mid-autumn before the onset of cold weather. This will allow the bow to gain strength in order to survive before the formation of warm weather. To protect the planted seed, you need to build a shelter with cellophane, sawdust, dry branches of trees.

Landing in spring is carried out in April, after a drop in frost. To do this, you must perform the following processes:



In the future, care must meet general rules   for this culture.

Harvesting to hold, when the neck of the plant dries out and partially onion feather.   Usually ripening occurs in August. Then dry the onions and put them in storage, creating the necessary conditions.

Shuron does not need special care, and for the formation of a full-fledged high-quality harvest, it is enough to hold such basic activities as:



This variety of onion is loved by many gardeners, as it pleases with its bright taste properties, which make it one of the most popular and sought-after products in the preparation of culinary masterpieces.

Observing all the techniques of agrotechnics for growing and adhering to the recommendations for care, you can get a decent crop of large onions.



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