Growth analysis of three garlic (Allium sativum L) cultivars with differences in yield

The aim of this work was to explain yield differences of three garlic cultivars: Blanco, Colorado and Rosado by using growth analysis. The trial was carried out in field plots with a randomized block design and six replications. Leaf area (LA), and dry matter (DM) of plant organs, except roots, was determined periodically. Three phases were recognized during crop cycle : 1) an initial one of slow growth, 2) a second phase of logaritmic growth and 3) a final phase of linear growth increase. Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) and Leaf Area Ratio (LAR) was obtained for the whole plant and for bulb in the mentioned phases. During the first phase RGR was quite similar for all cultivars. Higher NAR of Rosado was counterbalanced by a lower LAR. During second phase whole plant RGR was higher in Blanco and Colorado than in Rosado because of higher LAR of the former cultivars. In this phase bulb RGR was 43 % higher in Blanco and Colorado than in Rosado, for the same reason. During the last phase RGR decreased without differences among cultivars. Bulb NAR were very similar for all cultivars wich implies that lower bulb DM in Rosado is basically due to a lower LAR, i.e. due to a smaller photosynthetic apparatus.