Effect of Genotype and Storage Duration on Textural Parameters of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Grown under Deficit Irrigation

Three onion varieties of different tastes and flake colors (red, yellow, and white) were assessed on their textural parameters during 2021-2022.The field experiment was conducted on 4.8 m 2 trial plots in four replicates on meadow-cinnamon soil.The drip irrigation was applied in two modes.The first experiment was under optimum irrigation conditions for the plants, with an irrigation rate of 18 m 3 /ha.In the second experiment, the plants were grown at a 50% deficit irrigation rate of 9 m 3 /ha.The climatic conditions were appropriate for the goal of the study.The average maximum temperature for the months of July and August was over 35 °C, with minimal rainfall.The bulbs were stored under ambient conditions in an unheated storehouse (2-8°C and 70-90% Rh).The tests were done by the Stable Micro Systems TA.XT.Plus Texture Analyser using a "Warner-Bratzlerblade" probe three times: after harvesting and in 3-and 6-month storage.It was established that the values of the investigated mechanical parameters were reduced during storage.At the end of the storage, the greatest decrease (over 60%) was observed in the deformation work.Genotypic differences concerning yield force and rupture force were well expressed in onion bulbs from both irrigation water levels until the end of the experiment.A higher effect of the irrigation (up to 84.58%) than the genotype (up to 38.34%) was recorded on the dynamic of rupture force.The genotype influence on the mechanical parameters was increased at the end of the investigation.Based on this study, the variety Ispanski 482 with yellow flakes was selected as more resistant to mechanical damage to onion tissue during long-term storage.No significant correlation was found between the dry matter and the values of the textural parameters.