| dc.description | Bulb initiation and maturity of four Chilean clones of garlic (Allium sativum L.) were studied in controlled and field conditions in order to assess temperature and photoperiod requirements of selected clones. The effect of cold storage temperature prior to planting and photoperiod on bulb initiation was assessed in two clones of garlic. In one experiment bulbs were stored at 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16°C for 20, 40 or 60 days, and planted in pots in a heated greenhouse with a 14 h photoperiod. In a second experiment bulbs of the same clones were stored at 4 and 10°C, and room temperature (> 13°C) for 30 days, and later grown in a heated greenhouse with 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 h of photoperiod. In the field, days from emergence to bulb initiation and to maturity were evaluated in 13 clones planted on six sequential planting dates. Percentage of bulbing increased and the number of days from emergence to bulb initiation decreased, as storage temperature decreased and duration of storage increased. Plants of studied clones did not form bulbs with photoperiods of 8, 10 or 12 h with any storage temperature. All plants of both clones formed bulbs when photoperiod was over 14 h and storage temperature was 4 or 7ºC. A reduction on the period emergence-bulb initiation was observed as planting date was delayed from April to September. | |
