Extending the storage life of onion (Richikhun F1) using low-energy X-ray irradiation

<jats:p>This study evaluated whether low-energy X-ray irradiation can extend the storage life of Richikhun F1 onion, a cultivar approved in Mongolia as a promising variety in 2020. Onion bulbs were irradiated at 100 Gy using a Rad Source RS1800 X-ray irradiator and stored at room temperature (22°C) for 100 days. Weight loss, sprouting, pH, total carbohydrate content, total dissolved solids, antioxidant activity, and physical-mechanical properties were measured at 40, 60, 80, and 100 days. After 100 days of storage, the 100 Gy group showed lower weight loss (17.5%) and markedly reduced sprouting (32.5%) compared with the control group. The 100 Gy treatment also preserved higher puncture force, Young’s modulus, total carbohydrate content, and antioxidant activity, whereas pH did not differ significantly between groups. These results indicate that 100 Gy X-ray irradiation can improve the post-harvest storage quality of Richikhun F1 onion under room-temperature storage conditions.</jats:p>