PRODUCTION OF GARLIC MINIBULBLETS (ALLIUM SATIVUM L.) UNDER DIFFERENT CROPPING CONDITIONS. EFFECT OF MICROBULBLETS SIZE AND PLANT DENSITY

Authors suggest that microbulblets size and planting density interact to affect minibulblets production. This experiment was designed to test the behavior of both factors, so as to find a proper combination of them in order to increase minibulblets production.

Blanco (white) garlic was tested in a two-year experiment. Combinations involving three sizes and planting densities of microbulblets were tested in the first year; three sizes and two densities during the second. A completely randomized plot desing was used. Cagelike structures were used to protect all plots against aphids.

Statistical analysis showed that better results on minibulbs yield diameter and weight, and minibulblets number and weight, were achieved when microbulblets were small, medium, and large-sized and planted at high, low, and medium density respectively, as well as with combinations of large to medium size and high density.

On the other hand survival and multiplication rates for all sizes were larger within low density, so as for the large size-low density combinations.

If available, pre-classified large sized microbulblets should be purchased and planted in high densities. Otherwise, a previous size classing of the lot, and the choice of proper densities for each size class is suitable.

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