Duster is a medium maturing short day onion hybrid. Duster’s external bulb qualities include a uniform, firm, globe shaped bulb with a thin neck which is complemented by multiple attractive and tough brown scale leaves – the latter makes it suitable for mid-term storage. Duster has an average bolting tolerance and very vigorous root system with high resistance against pink root (Phoma terrestris syn. Pyrenochaeta terrestris) and Basal rot (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae). Duster is suitable for direct sowing as well as seedling transplants.
Special Varietal Requirements
- Due to Duster’s vigorous root system, the variety requires fewer/less applications of nitrogen based fertilisers late in the growing season.
- Contact a Sakata area representative for a local onion sowing guide.
| Characteristic | Duster F1 Hybrid Short Day Brown Onion |
| Kind and type | F1 hybrid, mid season, short day brown onion (Allium cepa L.) |
| Maturity | Medium, 21 to 25 weeks after direct seeding. Maturity depends on sowing date, production location and seasonal variations (photoperiod and temperature). |
| Bulb Shape | Slightly flattened globe to globe |
| Bulb Size | Medium to large (50 – 90 mm) – bulb size is influenced by the plant population |
| Bulb Uniformity (Shape and Size) | Very good |
| Bulb Neck size and qualities | Fine (thin), tight and neat |
| Bulb Firmness | Very good |
| Bulb Tunic (Skin/Scale Leaf) Colour | Excellent colour: brown |
| Tunic Retention and Quality | Very good and tough |
| Storability/Shelf Life | Good (3 to 4 months). Storage potential depends on the storage conditions (temperature and relative humidity). |
| Flesh Colour | White |
| Taste | Mildly pungent |
| Leaf/Foliage Health and Growth Habit | Average and flagging to upright |
| Leaf/Foliage Colour | Dark green |
| Bolting Reaction | Moderate – average tolerance (depends on/related to the sowing date) |
| Disease Resistance (Scientific) | High resistance: Phoma terrestris (Pt)and Fusarium oxysporum f.spcepae (Foc) |
| Growing Area | Grown between 27 – 35° latitude. |
| Average Seed Count | 220 – 320 seeds per gram or 220 000 – 320 000 seeds per kilogram |
| Suggest Sowing Density | Density depends on the size requirement of the bulbs and the target market/uses of the final product. Suggestion: Final population of 750 000 – 950 000 plants per hectare |
| Seed Requirements per hectare | Direct sowing: 900 000 to 1 200 000 seeds per hectare / 3.5 – 4.0 kg seed per hectare. Transplant: 5.0 – 5.5 kg seed per hectare |
| End Use | Bunched, pre-pack and processing |
