Do seed harvest period and drying method affect the seed quality and yield in onion?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different harvest periods and drying methods on onion seed quality and yield. The umbels were harvested 35, 50 and 65 days after 50% of bloom on the umbels (DAB). Then, harvested umbels were dried in the sun and in the shade. Germination and controlled deterioration tests were used for determining the seed quality. The seed yield umbel(-1) ( g) and seed yield da(-1) (kg) were calculated for yield evaluation. Drying methods affected on seed viability and the highest germination percentage (96.7%) was obtained from drying in the shade. The seed vigour did not significantly vary by harvest dates when umbels were dried in the shade. On the other hand, harvest dates following drying in the sun had significant effect on seed quality and the seeds harvested 50 DAB had the highest seed vigour (97%). Although there was no effect of harvest dates and drying methods on seed yield umbel(-1) (g), drying in the shade had significant effect on seed yield da(-1) (kg).