Introducing TSS Agrihort 2: A Shallot Innovation from Botanical Seeds

By: Indonesian Shallots
Trusted shallot supplier since 1995

For decades, shallot cultivation in Indonesia has relied on conventional methods—using bulb sets as planting material. This approach is widespread, but it comes with significant drawbacks: declining productivity, accumulated diseases, and ever-increasing seed costs. The emergence of TSS (True Shallot Seed) technology represents a breakthrough that fundamentally changes how we approach shallot cultivation. Agrihort 2 is one superior TSS variety worth getting to know better.

What Is TSS and Its Background?

TSS stands for True Shallot Seed—botanical seeds from the shallot plant that are capable of germinating and growing into new plants. Unlike bulb sets used as “seedlings,” TSS comes from a generative process—the result of natural pollination of shallot flowers.

Globally, TSS usage in shallot cultivation is nothing new. In advanced agricultural countries like Japan, South Korea, and several European nations, TSS has become the standard for commercial shallot production. Its main advantages lie in more stable genetic purity, higher growth vigor, and freedom from systemic pathogens often carried by bulb sets.

In Indonesia, TSS introduction began in the early 2000s through research programs at agricultural institutes. However, farmer adoption remained low due to limited information and restricted access to superior TSS varieties. Agrihort 2 arrives as a solution—a TSS variety specifically developed for Indonesian agroclimatic conditions with high productivity and broad adaptation.

Advantages of TSS Agrihort 2 Over Conventional Methods

1. More Stable Genetic Purity

Conventional bulb set seedlings often experience genetic degradation due to repeated vegetative propagation. Over time, varieties lose their superior traits—yield decreases, bulb size shrinks, and disease resistance weakens. TSS Agrihort 2 is produced through controlled crossing processes that maintain its varietal purity. Each seed generation has genetic potential consistent with its parent variety.

2. Free from Systemic Diseases

Bulb sets used as planting material are prone to carrying systemic pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum (cause of bulb rot), Phytophthora spp., and shallot viruses. These pathogens develop within bulb tissue and are silently transmitted to new plants. TSS Agrihort 2 is propagated through botanical seeds that are naturally free from such systemic pathogens. The result: healthier plants and significantly reduced pesticide needs.

3. Higher Yield Potential

Research shows that shallot plants from TSS can produce bulbs weighing 15–25% heavier than plants from bulb sets under the same cultivar conditions. This is due to stronger initial growth vigor and a more extensive root system. In field trials conducted in Central Java, TSS Agrihort 2 recorded productivity reaching 18–22 tons per hectare, exceeding the national average of 10–15 tons per hectare.

4. Cost Efficiency in Planting Material

From an economic perspective, TSS offers significant cost advantages for large-scale farming. One kilogram of TSS seeds can produce plants equivalent to 800–1,000 kilograms of bulb sets. In other words, seed requirement per hectare can be drastically reduced—from about 800–1,000 kg of bulbs to only about 300–400 grams of seeds. For farmers managing tens of hectares, this saving is substantial.

5. Longer Storage Life

Bulb set seedlings have a short shelf life—generally only 2–4 weeks before quality deteriorates significantly. TSS Agrihort 2 can be stored up to 12 months in good dry warehouse conditions without meaningful loss of viability. This provides great flexibility in planting season planning.

How to Plant TSS Agrihort 2

Cultivation methods for shallots from TSS differ slightly from conventional methods. The nursery phase becomes a critical step that determines the success of the entire growing season.

Nursery / Seedbed Preparation

TSS Agrihort 2 is first sown in special seedbeds with a growing medium mixture of humus soil, compost, and rice husk in a 1:1:1 ratio. Seeds are spread evenly at a depth of 1 cm with row spacing of 10–15 cm. The nursery phase lasts 30–35 days, until seedlings develop 3–4 true leaves and reach approximately 10–15 cm in height.

During the nursery phase, medium moisture must be maintained consistently. Watering is done twice daily (morning and afternoon) using a fine sprayer so seeds are not displaced. Using transparent plastic shade is recommended to protect young seedlings from direct heavy rainfall.

Transplanting / Planting in the Field

After the nursery phase is complete, seedlings are ready for transfer to the main field. Field preparation includes soil loosening, bed making with 100–120 cm width and 20–30 cm height, and application of base fertilizer in the form of compost or mature manure at 10–15 tons per hectare.

The recommended planting spacing for TSS Agrihort 2 is 15 cm x 20 cm, with approximately 250,000–300,000 plants per hectare. Planting holes are made 5–8 cm deep using a dibble or special transplanter. Each hole receives one seedling with roots facing downward, then covered with soil and gently compacted.

Maintenance

Side-dressing fertilizer is applied in the 2nd and 4th weeks after transplanting using NPK with 16-16-16 or 15-15-15 formula at approximately 150–200 kg per hectare. Watering is done regularly to maintain soil moisture at field capacity.

Pest and disease control remains necessary even though TSS varieties are more resistant. Main pests to watch for are thrips, armyworms, and trips. For diseases, purple blotch (Alternaria porri) and bulb rot (Fusarium) should still be monitored. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles are highly recommended.

Comparison: TSS Agrihort 2 vs. Conventional Bulb Set Seedlings

Challenges and Opportunities for TSS in Indonesia

The main challenge in TSS adoption among Indonesian shallot farmers lies in the nursery skills required. The TSS nursery phase demands more expertise and attention compared to bulb methods—if it fails, the entire growing season can be affected. Additionally, access to superior TSS varieties like Agrihort 2 remains limited in some regions.

However, the opportunities are vast. With increasing production costs and growing awareness of sustainable agriculture, TSS offers a promising exit. The government through the Ministry of Agriculture has also begun promoting TSS adoption through national shallot intensification programs.

For farmers wanting to get started, conducting trials on a small scale is recommended—starting from 1,000–2,000 seedlings—to understand TSS characteristics before applying it broadly.

Conclusion

TSS Agrihort 2 represents a significant innovation in Indonesian shallot cultivation. With advantages in genetic purity, disease resistance, cost efficiency, and higher yield potential, TSS deserves to be the primary choice for farmers seeking to improve productivity and sustainability in their agricultural operations. Although it requires more advanced nursery skills, this investment pays off with more maximized harvest results.

Need more information about TSS Agrihort 2 or want to order quality shallot seeds? Indonesian Shallots provides various quality TSS varieties with free technical consultation for farmers.

📞 Contact us now: bawangmerahindo.com
📧 Email: info@bawangmerahindo.com

Reference sources: Vegetable Research Institute (Balitsa), Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, Shallot Research Journal Vol. 12, 2024