Japanese Researchers Use CRISPR to Edit the Tears Out of Onions
21 September 2026, Japan: Scientists at Chiba University in Japan, working with food manufacturer House Foods Group, have used CRISPR gene editing
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Onion Breeding
Get the latest Onion Breeding news, research and developments covering new varieties, hybrids, genetic resources, disease resistance, climate resilience and advances in crop improvement. This tag brings together research and industry developments involving onion genetics, seed technology, breeding programmes and improved cultivars for different growing conditions and markets.
Modern programmes are combining conventional selection with molecular markers, genetic mapping, male sterility, hybrid breeding and genomic tools to improve traits such as bulb yield, size, colour, quality, maturity, bolting resistance and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In March 2026, ICAR-DOGR, Pune launched an Onion SSR Database to support genetic diversity analysis, precision selection and development of high-yielding, disease-resistant and climate-resilient varieties. ICAR has also been working to strengthen hybrid development through collaborations involving DOGR, IARI, IIHR, VPKAS and Punjab Agricultural University.
Find updates on onion varieties and hybrids, seed research, disease-resistant lines, purple blotch resistance, male-sterile systems, molecular breeding and germplasm evaluation. Coverage includes important Indian cultivars such as Bhima Super, Bhima Red, Bhima Raj and Bhima Shubhra, along with research into resistance sources and traits that can improve performance across kharif, rabi and changing climatic conditions. Recent ICAR research has also identified genetic resources with potential for incorporating resistance to diseases such as purple blotch into future breeding programmes.