Question:

In case of onions, which of the followings are desirable features?
(A) Dormancy
(B) Low total soluble solids
(C) High ratio of reducing to non reducing sugars
(D) Late bolting
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

High-quality processing cultivars of onion should have high TSS, white flesh, and high pungency.
Avoid varieties that sprout easily or bolt prematurely under cool weather conditions.
  • (A), (B) and (D) only.
  • (A) and (D) only.
  • (A), (C) and (D) only.
  • (A), (B), (C) and (D).
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Onions (Allium cepa) are a highly valued bulb crop with specific quality standards for storage and processing.
Breeders select for traits that maximize shelf life and processing quality.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

- (A) Dormancy: Long bulb dormancy is a highly desirable feature.
It prevents bulbs from sprouting during transit and storage, which would make them unmarketable. Thus, (A) is desirable.
- (B) Total Soluble Solids (TSS): A low TSS is undesirable.
Instead, high TSS (above 15% to 20%) is highly desirable, especially for processing and dehydration.
High TSS reduces the energy required for drying and is linked to better bulb storage and firmness. Thus, (B) is undesirable.
- (C) Reducing to non-reducing sugar ratio: A high ratio of reducing to non-reducing sugars is undesirable.
Reducing sugars react with amino acids during dehydration (Maillard reaction), causing an undesirable brown discoloration.
Non-reducing sugars, like sucrose, are preferred because they store better and maintain crop quality. Thus, (C) is undesirable.
- (D) Late bolting: Late or no bolting is a highly desirable trait.
Bolting (premature seed stalk development) is triggered by low temperatures.
It makes the bulb core tough and woody, reducing bulb size, dry matter, and storage potential. Thus, (D) is desirable.
Therefore, only features (A) and (D) are desirable.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The desirable features for onions are (A) Dormancy and (D) Late bolting.
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