Garlic vernalization and planting dates in Guarapuava

Abstract

Several attempts have been made in order to produce garlic out of season in Southern Brazil, aiming to reduce dependence on imports. The use of cold storage before planting is a possible alternative. Another possibility could be forward planting dates using early cultivars, more tolerant to diseases and less demanding in temperature and photoperiod conditions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of three vernalization periods (30, 40 and 50 days) and three planting dates (23/03, 23/04 and 23/05) on the yield of two garlic cultivars (Caçador and Quitéria). A randomized block design with three replications was used. The assessed traits were plant emergence, plant height, secondary plant growth, total yield and classification of marketable bulbs. The plant emergence and plant height increased in the first cultivation period. The yield of marketable bulbs of the Quitéria cultivar increased on the first two planting dates and the Caçador cultivar showed the highest yield of marketable bulbs on the second planting date. The third planting date provided a decrease in the secondary growth of the Caçador cultivar plants. The 30-day vernalization period promoted lower secondary growth of Quitéria cultivar plants. The 40-day vernalization period, which allowed better adaptation of both cultivars to photoperiod and temperature, resulted in good vegetative and productive development in the region of Guarapuava, Paraná State, Brazil.