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© 2019 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF SHALLOT (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) 
VARIETIES TO INTRA-ROW SPACING IN EASTERN AMHARA, ETHIOPIA   

 

 

 K. Esuyawukal-
Moges1+ 

 Z. Biruk-Masrie2 

 

1North Wollo Administrative Zone, Gidan District Office of Agriculture, 
Woldia, Ethiopia. 

 
2College of Agriculture, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia. 

 
 
 

 
(+ Corresponding author) 

 ABSTRACT 
 
Article History 
Received: 9 September 2019 
Revised: 11 October 2019 
Accepted: 14 November 2019 
Published: 30 December 2019 
 

Keywords 
Dz-sht-157-1B 
Dz-sht-91-2B 
Growth 
Intra-row spacing 
Marketable yield 
Shallot 
Total bulb yield 
Varieties 
Yheras. 

 
Shallot is an important crop as a condiment as well as a source of income for 
smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. However, the yield of the crop is constrained by a 
number of factors among which inappropriate plant spacing and lack of improved 
varieties are the bottlenecks of its productivity in the study area. Therefore, a field 
experiment was conducted at Densa, Eastern Amhara, and Ethiopia to evaluate the 
growth and yield response of shallot varieties to intra-row spacing. The treatments 
consisted of four intra-row spacings (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm) and three shallot varieties 
(Dz-sht-157-1B, Dz-sht-91-2B, and Yheras). These were laid out in randomized 
complete block design replicated three times. Data on growth and yield parameters 
were recorded and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results indicated that 
varying intra-row spacings from 5 to 20 cm increased significantly (P <0.01) all yield 
characters assessed in all the traits except cured bulb yield (t ha-1) which decreased as a 
result of increasing intra-row spacing from 5 to 20 cm. Highest total bulb yield (26.20 t 
ha-1) and marketable bulb yields (25.24 t ha-1) were recorded at the closest intra-row 
spacing (5 cm). Dz-sht-157-1B variety was superior in terms of leaf number per plant 
(35.82), average bulb weight (69.08 g), marketable yield (24.46 t ha-1) and total bulb 
yield (25.17 t ha-1). Hence, based on the result, Dz-sht-91-2B grown at 10 cm intra-row 
spacing should be adopted by farmers in study area. However, further investigations on 
multiplications and over years should be made to come up with complete 
recommendations.  
 

Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the existing literature by conducting a field experiment at 

Densa, Eastern Amhara, and Ethiopia to evaluate the growth and yield response of shallot varieties to intra-row 

spacing. 

 

1. INTRODUCTION 

Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum), belongs to the family Alliaceae, is an onion like plant that is originated 

from Western Asia [1]. The crop is grown in more than 170 countries in the world that China and India are the 

world’s largest producers [2]. It is one of the most widely cultivated bulb crops with wide range of climatic and soil 

adaptation in Ethiopia [3]. The crop is produced traditionally by small farmers in Hararge, Shoa, Arsi, Gojjam, etc. 

as cash crops and income generating spices for flavoring local dishes. Shallot is also preferred for its shorter growth 

cycle, better tolerance to disease and drought stresses and longer storage life than the common onion and for its 

distinct flavor that persists after cooking [4].   

Current Research in Agricultural Sciences 
2019 Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 157-168. 
ISSN(e): 2312-6418 
ISSN(p): 2313-3716 
DOI: 10.18488/journal.68.2019.62.157.168 
© 2019 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6945-4535
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5453-5268
https://www.doi.org/10.18488/journal.68.2019.62.157.168


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In Ethiopia, the production of shallot was 132424.68 ton in 14758.51 ha of land with an average yield of 8.97 t 

ha-1 [5] which is lower as compared to the world average of 18.8 ton ha-1 [2]. The area covered by shallot in the 

Amhara region and north Wollo zone is 12339.39 ha and 463.197 ha with the productivity of 12.84 ton ha-1 and 

12.7 ton ha-1, respectively [5]. Pests and diseases, coupled with a low level of improved agricultural technology, 

recurrent droughts, and decreases in soil fertility levels, different cultural practices, inappropriate spacing are some 

of the major contributors to the low and unstable crop yields in Ethiopia [6]; [7]. Shallot researches in the country 

were mainly focused on the comparison of the conventional production practices (bulb to bulb) and (transplant to 

bulb) and to identify adaptable true transplant shallot lines under rain fed conditions [8]. Spacing has effect on 

different varieties of of shallot as their bulb and leaf growth habit. Dereje, et al. [9] recommended intra-row 

spacing of 10 cm for Huruta and Negelle varieties and 15 cm for local variety at which highest marketable bulb yield 

in low and highland areas of Ethiopia. Shimeles [8] used recommended spacing for onion using double rows of 40 

cm between water furrows, 20 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants during his study on the performance of 

true seed shallot lines under different environments of the country. 

To improve shallot production, the agricultural research system of the country has made efforts to generate 

improved varieties. Dz-sht-157-1B, Dz-sht-91-2B and Yheras varieties are widely grown in Ethiopia [10]. 

However, these varieties are not distributed to all or most growing areas of the country and are not tested in 

different agro-ecologies, particularly in the study area. Although bulb yield performance evaluation was undertaken 

by Shimeles and Lemma [3] in lowland areas of Melkassa and highland areas of Arsinegele, it is very difficult to 

give general recommendation that can be applicable to the different agro-ecological zones. Optimization of spacing 

for different varieties of shallot is paramount important that, it avoids strong competition between plants for 

growth factors, such as water, nutrients and light. In addition, optimum spacing, subsequently optimum plant 

population, enables use of available cropland without wastage [11].   

Densa area is one of the potential areas for shallot production in Eastern Amhara in particular and Ethiopia in 

general. However, there are no recommended packages with regard to management practices. Shallot is produced in 

the area; even though lack of planting materials, market accessibility, poor agronomic practices, included intra row 

spacing are also the major problems. Thus, the yield is 7.8 t ha-1, which is very low as compared to the national 

average [12].  

Several researchers in many countries have shown that varieties and plant spacing had profound effects on the 

growth and yield of shallot [13]; [14]; [15]; [16]. Nationally recommended intra row spacing of shallot has been 

10 cm, the spacing between plants of onion, based on the research done in Melkasa, Zewai and Kulumsa of the 

country some years back. Nevertheless, in real situation, the produce, which is adopted by farmers, is a bit far 

(narrower or wider) from the recommendation. There is no recommendation made even in Eastern Amhara region 

in general and study area in particular with regard to shallot intra-row spacing for certain adapted varieties. 

Considering the above stated situations the present study was undertaken to determine the response of different 

varieties of shallot to intra row spacing under Densa, Eastern Amhara conditions.  

 

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 

2.1. Description of the Study Area 

The experiment was conducted at Densa Kebele of Densa FTC, Gidan district of Eastern Amhara region during 

October 2018 to January 2019 under irrigation. The experiment area lies about 12°14' 60.00" N latitude and 39° 09' 

60.00" E longitude Figure 1 with altitude of 2200 m.a.s.l [17]. The area experiences bimodal rainfall with Belg 

season from February to March and the main rainy season (Meher) from June to September. The area receives 

average rainfall 900 mm with minimum and maximum temperature 15 to 22oC, respectively [18]. 

 



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Figure-3.1. Location map of the study area geographical information system (GIS). 

   Source: Gidan Woreda Agriculture Office (GWAO) [12]. 

 

2.2. Treatments and Experimental Design 

The experiment consisted of factorial combinations of two factors viz.-a-viz intra-row spacing (5, 10, 15 and 

20 cm) and varieties (Dz-sht-157-1B, Dz-sht-91-2B and Yheras) laid out in 3×4 factorial combinations arranged 

in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.   

 

2.3. Planting and Agronomic Practices 

Shallot varieties viz-a-viz., Dz-sht-157-1B, Dz-sht-91-2B and Yheras were used for the study. Seeds of all 

varieties were sown in a nursery on well prepared seed bed. When the seedlings were at 3 to 4 leaves stage or 12 to 

15 cm height, they were transplanted in the experimental field. Planting was done on ridges of about 25 cm high 

adopting the recommended spacing of 40 cm between water furrows, 20 cm between rows on the ridge. The plot 

size was 3 m × 1.8 m accommodating five double rows with 340, 160, 100, and 70 plants per plot for the intra-row 

spacing of 5, 10, 15, and 20cm, respectively. A distance of 0.5 m was maintained between plots and 1 m between 

blocks. All cultural practices were employed as per the regional recommendations. During maturity, when 2/3 of 

the leaves become yellow in color, bulb was harvested and cured for 5 days [19]. Samples were taken from each 

plot in central rows for data collection.  

 

2.4. Data Collection and Analysis  

Data were collected on phenology (days to maturity) vegetative growth parameters (plant height, leaf 

number/plant), biomass parameters (shoot fresh and dry weight, harvest index) and yield and its components 

(average bulb weight, bulb length, neck diameter, bulb diameter, bulb dry weight, marketable and unmarketable 

bulb yield and total bulb yield) using the standard procedures described by IPGRI [20]. All the parameters were 

collected from ten randomly selected plants of each treatment. The collected mean values of the above growth and 

yield parameters were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS version 9.2 computer software 

[21]. Whenever the treatment was significant, Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) was used for mean 

separation at 5% probability level. 



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3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 

3.1. Days to Physiological Maturity 

The main effect of intra-row spacing and varieties had influenced significantly (P < 0.01) on days to 

physiological maturity. Shallot plants grown at narrow intra-row spacing of 5 cm matured earlier than grown at 

wider intra-row spacing of 20 cm. In general, maturity of shallot plant increased by 8.53% due to the increment of 

intra-row spacing from 5 to 20 cm Table 1. This might be attributed due to competition for water, light and 

nutrient in closer spacing, causing early bulb maturity while wider spacing allowed plants to have access for the 

most growth factors which prolong maturity. The result is in agreement with the findings of Sara, et al. [22] and 

Fikadu [23] who noted that bulb maturity is advanced by narrow spaced planting, which might be associated with 

a high leaf area index and hence light interception by the leaf canopy that advance the date of bulb scale initiation. 

On the other hand, Dz-sht-91-2B followed by Dz-sht-157-1B varieties was late, which matured 142.91 and 134.25 

days, respectively, while Yheras variety was earliest with maturity date of 126.16.  The varietal difference could be 

due to the inherent genetic variability of the crop. In line with this, Yemane, et al. [11] reported variations in days 

to maturity among onion varieties. 

 

3.2. Plant Height  

Intra-row spacing and variety significantly (P < 0.01) affected plant height. The longest plant (79.16 cm) was 

recorded from shallot plants grown at 20 cm intra-row spacing, which statistically in party with plant height of 

76.33 cm recorded from plants grown at 15 cm intra-row spacing Table 1. Closer spacing might be resulted in 

competition for growth factors such as water, nutrient and light thus resulting in plants that were short while the 

wider spaced plants might have adequate space to uptake growth requirements for their growth and development. 

In agreement with this result, Fikadu [23] obtained the longest plant height (27.28 cm) of shallot at intra-row 

spacing of 15 cm followed by 24.65 cm with the spacing of 20 cm; while the shortest plants (22.66 cm) at 10 cm 

intra-row spacing. Moreover, results are also in agreement with the findings of Yemane, et al. [11] and Sara, et al. 

[22] on onion and Karaye and Yakubu [24] on garlic. Dz-sht-157-1B and Dz-sht-91-2B varieties produced the 

longest plants than Yheras Table 1. In line with the present findings, Yemane, et al. [11] found significant 

genotypic variation in plant height. Furthermore, Tegbew [25] indicated the mean plant height of Adama Red 

(62.25 cm) cultivar was significantly higher than Bombay Red (56.04 cm). 

 

3.3. Leaves Number 

The main effect of intra-row spacing and variety did show significance (P < 0.05) difference on leaf number per 

plant. Shallot planted at 20 cm intra-row spacing produced significantly higher leaf number than planted at 5, 10 

and 15 cm. Leaf number increased by 72.44% due to the increment of intra-row spacing from 5 to 20 cm Table 1. 

The higher leaf number per plant recorded at 20 cm intra-row spacing might be attributed to the fact that, plants 

widely spaced experienced little or no competition for limited environmental resources compared to closely spaced 

plants. In accordance with the result, Yemane, et al. [11] reported that reported that increasing plant competition 

significantly decreases leaf number. The authors further justified that when intra-row spacing increases, the number 

of plants per unit area decrease, resulted in less competition for mineral nutrients, light and moisture leading to 

vigorous growth, possibly increasing leaf number per plant. Karaye and Yakubu [24] also reported that garlic 

planted at 15 and 20 cm intra-row spacing produced significantly higher number of leaves per plant than 10 cm 

intra-row spacing. Dz-sht-157-1B produced higher leaf number per plant (35.82), which statistically in parity with 

leaf number (33.74) obtained from variety Dz-sht-91-2B Table 1. In line with the present study, Shimeles and 

Lemma [3] reported that shallot varieties were difference in response to leaf number when tested at two locations. 

 

 



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Table-1. Effect of intra-row spacing and variety on phenology and growth of shallot. 

Treatment Plant height 
(cm) 

Leaf number 
plant-1 

Days to  physiological 
maturity (days) 

Intra row  spacing (cm)    

5 69.06c 25.18d 129b 

10 73.38bc 30.58c 131b 

15 76.33ab 35.23b 137.77a 

20 79.16a 43.42a 140a 

LSD (P<  0.05) 5.29 3.90 6.73 
Significance level ** ** ** 

Varieties    

Dz-sht-157-1B 78.69a 35.82a 134.25b 

Dz-sht-91-2B 75.71a 33.74ab 142.91a 

Yheras 69.05b 31.25b 126.16c 

LSD (P<  0.05) 4.58 3.37 5.83 
Significance level ** * ** 

SE(±) 1.22 1.3 1.72 
CV (%) 7.28 11.87 5.12 

Note: Means within a column followed by the same letter(s) are not significantly different at 5% level of probability according to List Significant Difference. 

 

3.4. Aboveground Shoot Fresh Weight 

The interaction effect of intra-row spacing and variety of shallot significantly (P < 0.05) affected average shoot 

fresh weight. The highest fresh shoot weight per plant (43.40 g) was obtained when Dz-sht-157-1B grown at 20 cm 

intra-row spacing. This variety produced 13.77 g more shoot fresh weight when it was grown at wider intra-row 

spacing (20 cm) than at narrow intra-row spacing (5 cm) Table 2. The result indicated that different varieties of 

shallot might respond intra-row spacing differently. The highest aboveground shoot weight per plant of Dz-sht-

157-1B due to the wider intra-row spacing might be related to leaf number and plant height per plant. The positive 

and significant correlation between shoot fresh weight and leaf number (r = 0.66**) and shoot fresh weight and 

plant height (r = 0.49**) (data not presented) can support the above conclusion. The present findings are in line 

with Fikadu [23]; Ngullie and Biswas [26] and Saurabh, et al. [27] who reported that wider plant spacing gave 

higher shoot weight per plant. 

 

3.5. Aboveground Shoot Dry Weight 

The interaction effect of intra-row spacing and variety of shallot showed significant (P < 0.01) difference on 

aboveground shoot dry weight. The highest shoot dry weight (4.89 g) was recorded from Dz-sht-91-2B grown at 

20 cm intra-row spacing, which statistically in parity with shoot dry weight values of 4.57 g and 4.42 g from Dz-

sht-157-1B grown at the same intra-row spacing and at 15 cm intra-row spacing, respectively Table 2. Shallot 

varieties grown from wider intra-row spacing have competitive advantage that can help to capture the resources, 

which enhances vigorous vegetative growth subsequently shoot dry weight. The result is elucidated by Shimeles 

[8] who reported an increase dry matter accumulation of varieties parallel to the increasing intra-row spacing. 

 

3.6. Bulb Diameter   

Main effect of intra-row spacing and variety showed significant (P < 0.01) difference in bulb diameter of shallot. 

The biggest bulb diameter (5.80 cm) was recorded from shallot plants grown with the intra-row spacing of 20 cm, 

which statistically in parity with bulb diameter of 5.79 cm obtained with intra-row spacing of 15 cm; while the 

lowest bulb diameter (4.02 cm) was recorded from intra-row spacing of 5 cm Table 3. In general, bulb diameter 

increased with increasing intra-row spacing. This is due to proper spacing ensures optimum growth and diameter of 

bulb through adequate utilization of moisture, light, spacing and nutrients. This result is in conformity with 

Saurabh, et al. [27] who found the biggest bulb diameter (7.06 cm) with 15 cm x 10 cm and the lowest value (5.01 

cm) with 7.5 cm x10 cm. Ngullie and Biswas [26] who found the highest bulb diameter from wider intra-row 



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spacing. The trend of decreasing bulb diameter as an intra-row spacing decreased was in consistence with the 

results reported by Geremew, et al. [28]. On the other hand, the biggest bulb diameter (5.71 cm) was obtained from 

the variety Dz-sht-157-1B (Table 3). The difference of varieties in bulb diameter might be due to their differences in 

genetic makeup. The result is in agreement with Shimeles [8]; Shimeles and Lemma [3] and Fikadu [23] who 

reported that varieties of shallot differed in response to growing environments. 

 
Table-2. Interaction Effects of intra-row spacing and varieties on growth of shallot. 

Intra row  Spacing (cm) Varieties 
Average fresh  shoot 

weight (g plant-1) 
Average  shoot dry weight                                                                                                   

(g plant-1) 

 
Dz-sht-157-1B 29.63d 2.65e 

5 Dz-sht-91-2B 24.16e 2.45e 

 Yheras 28.63de 2.40e 

 
Dz-sht-157-1B 36.26bc 3.30bcd 

10 Dz-sht-91-2B 32.26cd 3.28bcd 

 Yheras 32.56cd 2.89dce 

 
Dz-sht-157-1B 30.20d 4.42a 

15 Dz-sht-91-2B 39.20ab 3.47bc 

 Yheras 32.86cd 2.83de 

 
Dz-sht-157-1B 43.40a 4.57a 

20 Dz-sht-91-2B 41.16ab 4.89a 

 Yheras 33.56cd 3.78b 

LSD (P<  0.05) 5.17 0.58 
Significance level * ** 

SE(±) 0.98 0.14 

CV (%) 9.49 9.93 
Note: Means within a column followed by the same letter(s) are not significantly different at 5% level of probability according to List Significant Difference. 

 

3.7. Average Bulb Weight  

Main effect of intra-row spacing highly significantly (P < 0.01) and variety significantly (P < 0.05) influenced 

average bulb weight. As intra-row spacing increased from 5 cm to 20 cm, average bulb weight increased from 52.15 

to 75.55 g Table 3. The increased average bulb weight with increasing intra-row spacing might be due to less 

competition associated with widely spaced plants that resulted in heavier bulb weight per plant. The result is in line 

with the findings of Yemane, et al. [11] who noticed that onion mean bulb weight increases with increasing intra-

row spacing. Aliyu, et al. [29] reported the increase of mean fresh bulb weight from 54.89 to 84.58 g as the plant 

spacing increase from 10 to 15 cm. Dz-sht-157-1B variety showed significantly higher average bulb weight (69.27 

g), while the lower value (64.18 g) was recorded from Yheras variety Table 3. The observed difference in mean 

fresh bulb weight among varieties might be due to their genetic variability, which is consistent with the finding of 

Shimeles [8] and Shimeles and Lemma [3]. Yemane, et al. [11] found the varietal differences in onion on average 

bulb weight. Geremew, et al. [28] reported that variety Bombay Red produced average bulb weight 104.78 g 

higher than Adama Red. 

 

3.8. Bulb Dry Weight 

The analysis of variance showed that mean bulb dry weight per was significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by the 

main effects of intra-row spacing and variety. As intra-row spacing increased from 5cm to 20cm, the bulb dry 

weight was also increased from 6.98 g to 9.33 g Table 3. This might be due to the fact that closer spacing between 

plants resulted in competition for nutrients, moisture and light, thus reducing amount of assimilate produced and 

stored in the bulbs which subsequently reduced bulb dry weight. Similar result was also reported by Dereje, et al. 

[9] who observed that shallot bulbs planted at 20cm intra-row spacing produced greater bulb dry weight per plant 

than those planted at intra-row spacing of 15 and 10 cm. The result is also consistent with the findings of Sara, et 

al. [22] on onion, Karaye and Yakubu [24] on garlic and Abubaker [30] on bean. On the other hand, Dz-sht-157-



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1B variety gave significantly higher bulb dry weight (9.04 g) than Dz-sht-91-2B and Yheras that exceeded by about 

7 and 23%, respectively. In this regard, varietal could have different potentials to produce bulb dry weight due to to 

their genetic potential. Similarly, Shimeles [8]; Shimeles and Lemma [3] observed varietal differences in bulb dry 

weight. Furthermore, Tibebu, et al. [31] reported mean bulb dry weight per plant for Adama Red lower than 

Bombay Red.   

 
Table-3. Main effects of intra-row spacing and varieties on yield component of shallot. 

Treatment Average bulb weight 
(g) 

Bulb diameter               
(cm) 

Bulb dry weight (g 
plant-1) 

Intra row  spacing (cm)    
5 52.15c 4.02c 6.98c 

10 69.53b 4.97b 8.15b 

15 72.81ab 5.79a 8.67ab 

20 75.55a 5.80a 9.33a 

LSD (P<  0.05) 4.76 0.63 0.66 
Significance level ** ** ** 

Varieties    
Dz-sht-157-1B 69.27a 5.71a 9.04a 

Dz-sht-91-2B 69.08a 4.84b 8.45b 

Yheras 64.18b 4.88b 7.36c 

LSD (P<  0. 05) 4.12 0.55 0.57 
Significance level * ** ** 

SE(±) 1.74 0.17 0.21 
CV (%) 7.22 12.62 8.21 

Note: Means within a column followed by the same letter(s) are not significantly different at 5% level of probability according to List Significant Difference. 

 

3.9. Bulb Neck Diameter 

Bulb neck diameter is significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the interaction of intra-row spacing and variety. 

The highest bulb neck diameter (3.66 cm) was recorded from Dz-sht-157-1B grown at intra-row spacing of 20 cm, 

which statistically in parity with bulb neck diameter obtained from Dz-sht-91-2B and Yheras at the same intra-row 

spacing Table 4. The result is supported by the findings of Broome [32] who reported that neck diameter of 

different Allium species plants grown at 20 cm was larger than plants grown at 15 cm which in turn were larger 

than plants grown at 10 cm. On the contrary, neck diameter of onion was not affected by intra-row spacing as 

reported by Dereje, et al. [9]. 

 

3.10. Harvest Index 

The interaction of intra-row spacing and variety had significant (P < 0.05) effect on harvest index of shallot. 

The highest harvest index (73.77%) was obtained from the Dz-sht-157-1B grown at 10 cm intra-row spacing, while 

the lowest value (67.17%) was recorded from Dz-sht-91-2B grown at 20 cm intra row spacing Table 4. The result 

illustrated that higher harvest index was recorded from varieties grown at narrow intra-row spacing. This might 

be, due to presence of shorter leaf and plant height and thin leaf diameter in narrow spacing reduced the above 

ground biomass and resulted in higher harvest index. Lower harvest index due to might also be the existence of 

higher number of leaves, widest leafs and widest pseudo stem at wider spacing. In accordance with the result, 

Dereje, et al. [9] found higher harvest index in case of local grown at narrow intra-row spacing due to the presence 

of shorter leaf and plant height and thin leaf diameter, which reduced the above ground biomass, whereas in case of 

‘Negelle’ and ‘Huruta’, production of smaller number of leaves and relatively larger bulbs accounted the highest 

harvest index per plant. Similar results were reported by Agele, et al. [33] on sunflower, Kabir and Sarkar [34] on 

mungbean who reported a significant interaction effect on harvest index and the highest value recorded from 

varieties at closer spacing probably due to the reduced vegetative biomass. 

 



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Table-4. Interaction effects of intra-row spacing and varieties on yield component of shallot. 

Intra row  
Spacing (cm) 

Varieties Harvest 
Index (%) 

Neck   diameter (cm) Unmarketable  bulb 
yield ( t ha-1) 

 
Dz-sht-157-1B 73.33a 2.56e 0.90b 

5 Dz-sht-91-2B 74.04a 2.03f 1.10a 

 Yheras 73.47a 2.76de 0.88b 

 
Dz-sht-157-1B 73.77a 3.16c 0.70cd 

10 Dz-sht-91-2B 70.92abc 3.30bc 0.86b 

 Yheras 71.11abc 3.06cd 0.72c 

 
Dz-sht-157-1B 68.24cd 3.56ab 0.59cde 

15 Dz-sht-91-2B 71.77ab 3.36abc 0.59def 

 Yheras 73.05a 3.30bc 0.54f 

 
Dz-sht-157-1B 68.82bcd 3.66a 0.54ef 

20 Dz-sht-91-2B 67.17d 3.60ab 0.53def 

 Yheras 67.52d 3.53ab 0.54f 

LSD (P<  0.05) 3.24 0.35 0.08 
Significance level * * ** 

SE(±) 0.56 0.08 0.03 

CV (%) 2.8 6.59 7.23 
Note: Means within a column followed by the same letter(s) are not significantly different at 5% level of probability according to List Significant Difference. 

 

3.11. Unmarketable Bulb Yield   

Unmarketable bulb yield was significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by the interaction of intra-row spacing and 

variety. The highest unmarketable bulb yield ( 1.10 t ha-1) was recorded from Dz-sht-91-2B grown at 5 cm 

intra-row spacing Table 4 .  

High unmarketable yield in closely spaced plants could be due to inter-plant competition resulting in more 

small sized bulbs that negatively affected the marketable yield and favored the production of small sized 

bulbs than wider spacing. This finding is in agreement with Geremew, et al. [28] and Dereje, et al. [9] who 

reported similar results unmarketable and marketable bulb yield could be affected by both varietal differences and 

intra-row spacing. 

 

3.12. Marketable Bulb Yield  

Highly significant (P < 0.01) differences were observed among intra-row spacing and shallot varieties on the 

marketable bulb yield. As intra-row spacing increased from 5 to 20 cm, marketable yield of shallot decreased from 

25.24 to 17.60 t ha-1. However, marketable yield obtained from 5 cm intra-row spacing was statistically in parity 

with marketable yield recorded from 10 cm intra-row spacing Table 5. Narrower intra-row spacing, subsequently 

higher plant population per unit area might has an impact on marketable bulb size; hence, the higher the plant 

population, the smaller bulb size could be produced. This result is supported by Seck and Baldeh [35]. On the 

contrary, Tendaj [16] reported an increment of marketable yield from 2.1 to 10.4 t ha-1 due to increment of in 

intra-row spacing of shallot from 5 to 20 cm. Furthermore, the production of large sized tubers due to wider intra-

row spacing of 32.5 cm reported by Carlson, et al. [36] disagreed this finding.  

The highest marketable yield (24.46 t ha-1) was recorded in Dz-sht-157-1B, which however, statistically in 

parity with the marketable yield (23.27 t ha-1) recorded in Dz-sht-91.2B, while the lowest marketable yield (19.54 t 

ha-1) was recorded in variety Yheras Table 5. The difference in marketable bulb yield due to variety could be the 

fact that varieties perform differently under divers agro-climatic conditions and various cultivars of the same species 

grown even at the same environment often yield differently. In this regard,Jilani, et al. [37]; Dereje, et al. [9] 

;Yemane, et al. [11] and Shimeles and Lemma [3] reported that performance of a cultivar mainly depends on the 

interaction of genetic makeup and environment. 

 

 



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3.13. Total Bulb Yield 

The main effect of variety and intra-row spacing had significant (P<0.01) effect on total bulb yield of shallot. 

Bulb yield was decreased by 29.39% due to the increment of intra-row spacing from 5 to 20 cm. Hence, the highest 

total bulb yield (26.20 t ha-1) was obtained at 5 cm intra-row spacing, which statistically similar with total bulb 

yield (25.75) t ha-1) recorded at the intra-row spacing of 10 cm Table 5. The positive increase in bulb yield at closer 

spacing might be ascribed to increase plant population per unit land area while the decrease in bulb yield at wider 

intra-raw spacing could be associated with decreased plant population per unit land area. Unlike that of individual 

bulb weight and dimension, the total bulb yield per unit area decrease with increasing intra-row spacing. It can thus 

be seen that, the total yield per unit area depends not only on the performance of individual plants but also on the 

number of plants per unit area as confirmed in this study. Similar results were observed by Karaye and Yakubu 

[24] in garlic, Dereje, et al. [9] in shallot and Yemane, et al. [11] in onion. Furthermore, Tendaj [16] who 

reported that an increase in intra-row spacing of shallot from 5 to 20 cm resulted in reduction of total yield from 

36.0 t ha-1 to 23.9 t ha-1. In contrast to the results of the present study, Kabir and Sarkar [34] also reported that 

interaction effects between variety and spacing were significant for seed yield of mungbean and the highest value 

was recorded at wider spacing which has less population density. 

The highest total bulb yield (25.17 t ha-1) was obtained from variety Dz-sht-157-1B followed by Dz-sht-91-2B 

(24.04 t ha-1). The lowest total bulb yield (20.22 t ha-1) was recorded from variety Yheras Table 5. This might be 

due to the fact that varieties have different yield potential as well as genetic and environmental interaction effect. 

The result is in agreement with the findings of Jilani, et al. [38]; Dereje, et al. [9]; Shimeles [8]; Tibebu, et al. 

[31] and Shimeles and Lemma [3]. 

 
Table-5. Main Effects of intra-row spacing and varieties on yield of shallot. 

Treatment 
Marketable  bulb Total bulb 

yield ( t ha-1) yield ( t ha-1) 

Intra row  spacing (cm) 
  

5 25.24a 26.20a 
10 24.99a 25.75a 
15 21.54b 22.14b 
20 17.60c 18.50c 

LSD (P<  0.05) 2.34 2.32 
Significance level ** ** 

Varieties 
  

Dz-sht-157-1B 24.46a 25.17a 
Dz-sht-91-2B 23.27a 24.04a 

Yheras 19.54b 20.22b 
LSD (P<  0.05) 2.03 2.01 

Significance level ** ** 
SE(±) 0.71 0.73 
CV (%) 10.71 10.29 

      Note: Means within a column followed by the same letter(s) are not significantly different at 5% level of probability according to List Significant Difference. 
 

4. CONCLUSION 

Shallot is one of the popular and the most cultivated vegetables in Ethiopia in general and in Eastern Amhara 

region in particular. Shallot producers in the study area produce shallot as a cash crop using non-uniform intra-row 

spacing based on the existing indigenous knowledge. The study was thus conducted to investigate the effect of 

different intra-row spacings on yield and yield components of three shallot varieties and to recommend options for 

farmers in and around the study area. Results of the study showed that main effects of intra-row spacing, varieties 

as well as their interactions had considerable influences on different parameters. Yheras was found to be 17 days 

earlier than the latest varieties of all and followed by Dz-sht-157-2B which is earlier in 9 days than the latest by Dz-

sht-157-2B. Leaf number was increased by 72.44% due to the increment of intra-row spacing from 5 to 20 cm.  



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Intra-row spacing of 5 and 10 cm had higher marketable yield than 15 and 20 cm intra-row spacing. The 

highest unmarketable bulb yield (1.10 t ha-1) was recorded from Dz-sht-91-2B grown at 5 cm intra-row spacing. As 

intra-row spacing increased from 5 to 20 cm, average bulb weight increased from 52.15 to 75.55 g. The highest 

total bulb yield (26.20 t ha-1) was obtained at 5 cm intra-row spacing, which statistically similar with total bulb 

yield (25.75) t ha-1) recorded at the intra-row spacing of 10 cm. The highest total bulb yield (25.17 t ha-1) was 

obtained from variety Dz-sht-157-1B followed by Dz-sht-91-2B (24.04 t ha-1). The finding suggested it is better to 

use intra-row spacing of 5 and 10 cm as highest marketable bulb yields were recorded. Besides, the ultimate goal of 

shallot production is profitably through yield enhancement, the result revealed that Dz-sht-157-1B and Dz-sht-91-

2B varieties appeared to be superior marketable yield at the study area. However, further investigation must be 

made under different seasons in order to fully recommend the results of the present study which is based on one 

season and location.     

 

Funding: This study received no specific financial support.    
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.  
Acknowledgement: The authors express their thanks to Melkasa Agricultural Research Center 
for providing seed materials and Sirinka Agricultural research Center for providing laboratory 
facilities. The authors would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Woldia University for 
permission to publish the work. 

 

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