An improved method of preparing onion bulbs for the Alium test

Abstract

The tests on storage and preparation of onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs presented in this paper were performed in order to obtain the highest possible number of roots of similar length, which would be suitable for performing the Allium test. The results were subject to a detailed statistical analysis and allowed the following procedure to be recommended: 1) Store the bulbs at room temperature rather than in a refrigerator for two weeks before starting the experiments. 2) Do not use the biggest bulbs (over 80-100 g); use medium and small bulbs with the largest possible diameter of the reduced stem. 3) Just before starting the culture, wash the bottom part of the bulb, cut out the central part of the reduced stem and cut off the upper part of the bulb. At least 70% of bulbs prepared this way are expected to be suitable for cytological tests.