The Most Promising Way of Weed Management in Onion (Allium cepa L.) Production—A Systematic Review
Publication Name: Agronomy
Publication Date: 2026-06-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 12
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Onions (Allium cepa L.) are widely cultivated and consumed vegetable crops around the world. Weed interference is the main limitation to onion production. Onions grow slowly, are short-statured, and are non-branching, which makes them difficult to compete with weeds. The aim of this study was to summarise the literature published between 2020 and 2025 that evaluated the effectiveness of different weed control methods used in onion cultivation using a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. Based on the results, pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen were the most used and most effective herbicides. Combining pre- and post-emergence treatments and spraying herbicide mixtures improved weed control efficiency compared with single treatments. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors can adversely affect onions and reduce yield, making them unsuitable for use in onion production. Integrated weed management practises, such as combining herbicides with manual weeding and using plant-based extracts, offer a sustainable approach that can reduce reliance on chemicals. Mechanical weed management is not widely adopted in onion production because its application poses numerous challenges. The future direction of weed management should focus on technological advances in mechanical weed control and the development of bioherbicides to reduce reliance on synthetic herbicides.
Open Access: Yes
Authors - 18
Renato Kalocsai
16316427100
László Palkovics
36117031200
Gabor Kukorelli
55635480900
István Mihály Kulmány
57225075602
Laszló Bede
57463776600
Sándor Zsebő
58955527900
Dávid Stencinger
58956276800
Bálint Horváth
59387764900
Judit Makkos-Káldi
59496223800
Jabir Ali Abdinoor
60013375500
Gergő Hegedüs
60013824200
Áron Licskai
60424120900
Gábor Benedek
60708201500
Kristóf Péter Tóth
60708201600
Helga Ambrus
60708398300
Muhammad Awais
60708978600
Mózes Miklós Vancsura
60709365800
József Balázs Kulmány
60709563400