Can pruning affect the growth of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) seedlings from seeds?

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to reveal whether pruning affects the growth of shallot seedlings from seeds, evaluated based on the use of several varieties and the frequency of pruning during nurseries. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted at the Teaching Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, from August to September 2023. This study was arranged in a randomized block design with two factors. The first factor is shallot varieties of Sanren F1, Lokananta, and Maserati. The second factor is the pruning frequency (days after sowing) consisting of one time (25 DAS), two times (25 and 30 DAS), and three times (25, 30, and 35 DAS). Results: The Maserati variety had the highest average number of leaves and the highest average number of root tips, the Lokananta variety had the largest average pseudo stem diameter and the heaviest fresh and dry weight of seedlings, and the Sanren F1 variety had the most extended average root length. Pruning with a frequency of three times consistently increases the growth of shallot seedlings, such as number of leaves, pseudo stem diameter, root length, number of root tips, fresh and dry weight of seedlings. Conclusion: Pruning frequency and varieties have an influence on the growth of shallot seedlings. Pruning three times can increase the growth of seedlings linearly.