Effect of high dilutions of lime shells and Natrum muriaticum on crop protection, yield and storage of onion in the organic system

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of high dilutions of Natrum muriaticum and limestone shells,
on the incidence and damage of thrips, downy mildew severity, yield, fresh mass of bulbs and post-harvest of onion in the
organic production system. Field experiments were carried out at Epagri (Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Service
Agency of Santa Catarina State), Brazil, in the years of 2010, 2011 and 2012. The cultivar used was 362 Epagri Crioula Alto Vale.
Treatments were foliar sprays of water at 0.5% of high dilutions of lime shells 6CH, Natrum muriaticu 12CH, used alone and
together and untreated check. High dilutions of lime shells 6CH reduced the incidence of thrips. The leaf damage of thrips,
downy mildew severity, chlorophyll content, and yield were not affected by treatments. The rate of post-harvest losses were
lower when it was used the combination of high dilutions of lime shells 6CH with Natrum muriaticum 12CH.