EFFECT OF GARLIC SEED SOAKING IN GIBBERELLIC ACID OR SEAWEED EXTRACT ALONG WITH FOLIAR SPRAYING WITH PACLOBUTRAZOL ON GERMINATION, GROWTH, YIELD, AND STORABILITY

Two field experiments were conducted during the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 seasons to assess the impact of soaking garlic seeds in gibberellic acid (GA₃) at 125 and 250 ppm and seaweed extract at 1000 and 2000 ppm on germination speed along with the effect of foliar application of paclobutrazol (PBZ) at 0, 250, and 500 ppm on vegetative growth, chemical composition, and yield. Results indicated improved vegetative growth parameters, including leaf number, plant height, and fresh and dry weights, with seed soaking. Conversely, paclobutrazol application reduced these traits. The highest chlorophyll content was recorded with 2000 ppm seaweed extract or 250 ppm GA₃. Furthermore, soaking seeds in 2000 ppm seaweed extract yielded superior nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and protein content. Paclobutrazol application reduced chlorophyll, nitrogen, and protein levels but significantly enhanced phosphorus and potassium content. Soaking seeds in 2000 ppm seaweed extract, followed by 1000 ppm, improved yield attributes like the number of cloves, the diameter of the bulb, and the weight of the fresh and dry bulbs. Paclobutrazol at 250 and 500 ppm further enhanced the yield characteristics. The highest post-storage weight loss occurred in bulbs from seeds soaked in 250 ppm GA₃, while the lowest was with 2000 ppm seaweed extract. Paclobutrazol application, particularly at 500 ppm, effectively reduced weight loss during storage. This study shows that soaking seeds in 2000 ppm seaweed extract is the optimal treatment for accelerating germination and enhancing growth, yield, and storage. Moreover, paclobutrazol at 500 ppm improves yield and extends storage duration.