Hybrid Onion Tel-Aviv x Ascherson

Sowing this hybrid onion, like many wild species of the genus Allium adapted to the Mediterranean climate, is best carried out in autumn.

The optimal timing for the start of the growing season is right after the first autumn rains, allowing the seeds to undergo stratification.

Under greenhouse conditions or controlled climates, sowing can be shifted to early spring, although autumn planting is considered more natural.

The depth of sowing should be approximately 1.5–2 cm, ensuring adequate spacing between rows to facilitate the development of the leaf rosette.

To speed up germination, professionals recommend pre-soaking the seeds in growth stimulants, which increases the germination percentage.

As this hybrid originates from semi-desert areas, it is highly demanding regarding light and cannot tolerate even brief periods of shading.

The soil must be light, sandy, or well-drained loams, as water stagnation is detrimental to the bulbs of this species.

Soil acidity should be in the range of pH 6.5–7.5, which corresponds to neutral or slightly alkaline conditions.

An important requirement is maintaining the correct temperature regime; the crop thrives in heat but requires a dry rest period after maturity.

The plant has a high level of drought tolerance, yet regular drip irrigation is necessary for maximum yield during the active growth phase.

The yield potential of this hybrid directly depends on adherence to the rest phase and the intensity of light during the spring growing season.

The average weight of a marketable bulb under intensive cultivation can vary based on planting density and the quality of nutrient supplementation.

Because it is a hybrid of rare species, its yield is lower than that of common onions, but it is valued for its unique chemical composition.

The stability of the harvest is ensured by the hybrid's high resistance to the biotic stressors typical of its parental range.

To increase the marketable product output, the use of complex mineral fertilizers with a predominance of potassium is recommended.

The main threats to the crop are fungal diseases that develop during high humidity, such as downy mildew or Peronospora.

Pests typical of the Mediterranean region include the onion fly, which can damage the delicate tissues of seedlings in early spring.

Root rot is a serious threat when irrigation techniques are improper and soil aeration is neglected during the spring period.

To protect the crops, it is recommended to implement preventative fungicide treatments and strict adherence to crop rotation rules.

Under high humidity conditions, infestation by thrips is possible, which reduces the photosynthetic capacity of the leaves and plant vitality.

Harvesting begins after the total lodging and drying of the above-ground part, which signals that the plant has entered its rest phase.

The bulbs should be carefully lifted and dried in a well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight, until dense scales are formed.

Timely harvesting prevents the risk of bulb sprouting in case of unexpected rain at the end of the vegetation period.

After drying, the harvest should be sorted to remove damaged specimens and then placed in storage in dry, cool conditions.

Special attention is given to the integrity of the outer scales, which protect the bulb from mechanical damage and moisture loss during storage.