10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Onions (Allium cepe L.) are one of the most well-known, commonly eaten bulbs, and economically important Allium crops. Estimates of post-harvest loss in onions exceed 40%, significantly reducing farmers’ income. This research evaluates the effectiveness of some low-cost onion storage facilities. Bamboo Basket, Raffia Baskets, Mental Basket, Clay pot, Normal Sand (Sandy Soil), Sea Sand, Sawdust, and Refrigerators were evaluated for physiological weight, rotting, spouting, the incidence of black mould, and marketability. These parameters were taken at the interval of 10 days for 120 days. The mean physiological weight loss of the bulbs irrespective of storage facilities increased from 2.0% at 10 days after storage to 8.5% at 120 days after storage. The rotting of the bulbs regardless of the storage facilities increased from 6% at 70 days after storage to 5.5% at 120 days after storage. The maximum percentage spouting was recorded under the refrigerator at 85.5%. The maximum black mould was noticed in bulbs stored in Clay pots at 13.5%. The maximum marketable bulbs were 91.5% recorded under metal Basket, and 90% recorded under both Sawdust and Sea Sand. The results obtained from this study revealed that Metal Basket, Sawdust and Sea Sand are highly effective and significantly prolong the shelf life of onions, hence, recommended for use to farmers.