Evaluation of phenology and deficit irrigation of Allium sativum L. in La Rioja (Argentina)
ADVANCES IN HORTICULTURE - REVIEW | Ibáñez, A.A. - Carrizo, J.E.
Tags: garlic cv Morado INTA, arid region, vegetative growth, bulb growth, water restriction
Agriculture in arid regions requires physiological and agronomic studies. Phenology was analysed and morphological and productive responses of garlic (cv. Morado INTA) to irrigation strategies were evaluated in an arid region of La Rioja. The trial was carried out in INTA EEA Chilecito in 2022. The design was a randomized complete block design with three replications and three irrigation treatments were applied: T1-100%, T2-120% and T3-75% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) during 28 days after the 12th visible leaf of the main growth stage 1(main shoot).The extended garlic phenological scale was used. Leaves, plant height, plant pseudostem and neck, basal disc, diameter, height and bulb weight were measured. Phenology results: 97.8% sprouting at 19 dap (days after planting) and 368 growing degree-days (GDD), main shoot development (12th leaf) at 142 dap and 1823 GDD and the 100% bulb diameter at 212 dap and 3095 GDD. Irrigation results: T3 did not affect height, number of leaves or pseudostem length, but modified the basal leaf with respect to T1 and T2. T3 reduced neck diameter and bulb height without affecting final bulb weight, and consequently increased the bulbification index with respect to T2. The application of controlled deficit irrigation (75% of ETc) during the month of September and the return to full irrigation until bulb harvest are strategies that optimize water use and production in the garlic crop (cv. Morado INTA).