Cultivation

Onions are grown worldwide in regions with moderate to subtropical climates. The leading producers are Mexico, Korea, China and Japan. In Europe, onions are mainly cultivated in France, Spain, and Greece. Onions are one of the most widely grown types of vegetable.

Utilisation

Onion (Allium cepa) can be used in many ways as a condiment and edible plant:

• raw or fried
• as condiment/flavouring

Gene technology: aims of research and development

Agronomic traits

Weed control

• Tolerance towards herbicides containing the active ingredient glyphosate

Resistance against pathogens

• Fungal resistance e.g. against rot white

• Virus resistance

Resistance to pests

• Insect resistance

Quality traits

Modified composition of components

• Such as modified acidity, modified sulfur content, modified sugar content, modified colours (modified anthocyanin content)

• Increased absorption and accumulation of selenium. This essential dietary mineral can prevent cancer.

Plant development

• Inducible time of flowering

• Delayed maturity

Field trials with GM onions