(IPPM) in Vegetables - Vegetableipmasia.org

Resource Manual on IPPM in Vegetable
World Education Philippines, Inc.
d. Land preparation
The area is plowed and harrowed several times to provide good soil tilth and to reduce
the weed population significantly before planting.
First plowing must be deep enough to uproot all the standing weeds. Harrow the soil and
collect all uprooted weeds. Irrigate the area to allow the weed seeds to germinate. One
to two weeks after germination, plow and harrow again. Repeat the whole process once
more.
For final land preparation, the area is plowed once and harrowed several times to
pulverized soil. Levelling follows. Prepare the beds for transplanting at a desired size
and distance from each bed.
e. Planting
By using the pointed end of a dibble (20-25 cm long rounded stick), shallow holes are
made in the mulched or unmulched plot enough to accommodate the root and the surface
of the base of the seedling (root plate). The lower part of the seedling is gently inserted
into the shallow hole and then the soil is pressed for better contact between the soil and
the roots. The ideal distance of planting is 6 x 10 cm for multiplier and 8 x 12 cm for
bulb onion.
In the direct seeding, 3 to 5 seeds are planted per hill at a distance of 8-15 between hills
in the furrow. After planting, the seeds are covered with fine soil or organic matter.
f. Fertilization
When the seedlings have recovered from transplanting shock, apply 150 kgs of urea and
100 kg of muriate of potash per hectare. Repeat the application when the bulbs start to
develop. Refer to soil analysis for proper fertilizer recommendations. The fertilizer
material can be broadcasted or dissolved in solution.
g. Irrigation
Initial watering is done immediately after planting. In the unmulched plot, watering is
done frequently especially during the early stages of vegetative growth and early bulbing
stage. Watering should be done in the morning to avoid incidence of diseases. For
mulched plot, watering can be done 5-7 days or when need arises as shown by temporary
wilting.
h. Pest and Diseases
Common cutworm, armyworm and leaf miner often attack onion throughout its entire life
cycle. Cutworm is the major pest of onion not only because of its polyphagous in nature
but also to high multiplication especially during dry season. Thrips also infest the crop
at warm weather.
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