Yes, certain types of onions are more likely to cause tears due to differences in the levels of sulfur compounds they contain. Onions vary in their sulfur content, which is a major factor in the intensity of the irritation they cause when cut.

1. Stronger onions: Yellow onions tend to have the highest sulfur content. They are often the most pungent and can produce the strongest tearing reaction. The higher the sulfur content, the more syn-Propanethial-S-oxide is released when the onion is cut, resulting in greater irritation of the eyes.

2. Milder onions: Sweet onions, such as Vidalia and Walla Walla onions, contain fewer sulfur compounds. As a result, they cause less irritation and are less likely to make you cry. These onions have a sweeter flavor and are often preferred for raw preparations like salads.

3. Red onions: Red onions generally have a moderate sulfur content, making them somewhere in between yellow and sweet onions in terms of the intensity of their effect on the eyes. While they can cause some irritation, they are typically less pungent than yellow onions.

The reason for these differences in sulfur content lies in the way onions are grown and the variety of the onion. Factors like soil quality, climate, and onion variety all influence the concentration of sulfur compounds in the bulb. Onions grown in sulfur-rich soils tend to produce more of these compounds, making them more likely to cause tears.

The variety and growing conditions of onions determine the amount of sulfur compounds they contain. Yellow onions, being the most sulfur-rich, are the most likely to induce tears, while sweet onions and red onions tend to be milder.