Germination and Seedling Performance of Onions (allium Cepa L.) Using Different Growth Media

Successful onion production relies on healthy seedlings and a well-managed nursery to ensure uniform growth and high yields. This study evaluated the effects of three different growth media; cocopeat (CP), potting soil (PS), and rice husk (RH) on onion (Allium cepa) seed emergence, seedling height, and leaf production over 42 days. The experiment was conducted in a screen-house at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two replications per treatment. Seeds were manually sown in nursery trays filled with the designated growth media, and data on seed emergence, plant height, and number of leaves were collected at three-day intervals. Results indicated significant differences in seedling performance across the growth media. Seeds sown in cocopeat had the highest emergence rate while potting soil exhibited the lowest emergence rate (9.73%) from day 21 onwards. In contrast, potting soil gave the tallest seedlings (3.80 cm) by day 42, followed closely by rice husk (3.42 cm), whereas cocopeat resulted in the shortest seedlings (2.30 cm). Leaf production followed a similar trend, with rice husk seedlings having the highest number of leaves (6.55) by day 42, followed by potting soil (5.70), while cocopeat recorded the lowest (4.00). The research concluded that cocopeat is effective for seed emergence, potting soil, and rice husks,are more effective for seedling height and leaf development.