Two field trials were carried out at Embrapa Semi-Árido, Petrolina, Brazil. The experiment was carried out from April to August of 2003 and 2004, in a randomized complete block design. In 2003, fifteen genotypes and four replications were used and in 2004, fourteen genotypes and three repetitions were used. In 2003, the total yield of bulbs varied from 29.5 to 59.6 t ha-1 and the commercial yield varied from 18.6 to 51.7 t ha-1. The fresh mass of bulbs varied from 104 to 186 g and the genotypes IPA-11and Brisa showed the highest number of commercial bulbs per plot (113 bulbs). In 2004, the total yield of bulbs varied from 30.4 to 58.4 t ha-1 and the commercial yield varied from 24.0 to 56.0 t ha-1. The fresh mass of bulbs varied from 86 to 160 g and the genotypes EX-07593000 and Granex 429 showed the highest number of commercial bulbs per plot (126 and 124 bulbs, respectively). Based on the evaluated characteristics, the genotypes EX-19013, EX-07595002, Encino, IPA-11, Brisa, TPC 91923, TPR 91970 and EX-075593000, in 2003, and the genotypes EX-0759300, Granex-429, IPA-11, IPA-04 and Texas Grano 502, in 2004, were the best adapted and with the highest potential for planting in the São Francisco River Valley.
Allium cepa; adaptation; competition; yield
