Flowering capacity and yield of garlic genotypes under different planting seasons and vernalization periods

Garlic flowering is agronomically important because it ensures seed production, which is necessary for the reproduction of the species and the generation of new plants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance and flowering capacity of garlic genotypes subjected to different vernalization periods and planting dates in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study was conducted at the Department of Agriculture of the Federal University of Lavras, in Lavras, MG, Brazil. The treatments consisted of four garlic genotypes (DDR 6024, RAL 159, RAL 75, and RAL 751) subjected to three vernalization periods (40, 50, and 60 days) and two planting dates (March 15 and April 15, 2019). The following parameters were evaluated: emergence, emergence speed index, mortality, total number of bulbs, number of marketable bulbs, total bulb yield, marketable bulb yield, flowering percentage, and floral scape length and diameter. The experimental genotypes did not differ in bulb production. Regarding flowering percentage, only genotype RAL 159 was inferior to the others when planted on the first planting date (March 15). For bulb production, the second planting date (April 15) was better than the first. All genotypes showed similar flowering performance, except for genotype DDR 6024, which had lower flowering on the second planting date. The 50-day vernalization period was superior to the others for bulb production. For flowering percentage, the 50- and 60-day vernalization periods were more favorable. The treatments that promoted greater flowering also resulted in higher total and marketable bulb yields.