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1. Introduction
Nature has gifted us lots of things to keep our self healthy. One of those gifts is Garlic.
There are lots of saying & proverbs about Garlic which reflects its importance & quality such as
Garlic is as good as 10 mothers & Garlic a day keep sickness at bay. Moreover, it is regarded as
a miracle by naturopaths & herbalists. Various researches have proved it that Garlic is good for
health and is beneficial in curing various health problems. Garlic's benefits are due to its rich
array of antioxidants like selenium and ascorbic acid.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the important bulb crop grown which is used as a
spice and condiment throughout India. It is also on important foreign exchange earner for India.
Garlic shares about 17 % total spices grown in India (Fig 1). Healthy garlic bulbs contain allicin,
colorless, odorless and water-soluble amino acids. On crushing the garlic bulbs the enzyme
allinase breaks down into allin to produce allicin of which the principal ingredient is odoriferous
diallyl disulpide. The volatile oil consists of more than 29 volatile components and chief
components of oil are Diallyl disulphide (60%), Diallyl trisulphide(20%) and allyl-propyl
polysulphides (15%) and a small quantity of diallyle polysulphides. Diallyle disulfide possesses
the true garlic odour.
Garlic is a most important bulbous vegetable, spice or condiment with medicinal value,
belongs to onion family Amaryllidaceae and it is commonly used throughout the world. Garlic is
used in various culinary preparations to enhance the aroma of dishes and is widely used as for
seasoning in Indian cuisine. In Pickles it acts as a preservative-flavourant. Garlic pickles and
freshly ground garlic chutneys are popular side dishes for rice, snacks and chappathis. Garlic oil
is used in ready-made spice-mixes, pharmaceuticals and disinfectants.
Nutrient Composition
Garlic is an excellent source of protein, Carbohydrate, and minerals like phosphorous,
calcium, manganese, a very good source of niacin and vitamin C, selenium. It is a rich source of
Protein (6.30 %), Carbohydrate (29.80%), Phosphorus (0.45%), Calcium (0.30%), Iron (0.13%),
Vitamins (0.13%) and energy 145 K cal / 100g.
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Table 1: Global production data for garlic
India is the 2nd largest garlic producing country after China with annual production of
8.33 lakh tons from 1.65 lakh hectare area. Garlic contributes 17% of total Indian spice
production. China controls over 85-90 per cent of the world's garlic production.
Top 10 garlic producers (2009-10)
Country Production (lakh t)
China 179.68
India 10.70
South Korea 3.80
Egypt 1.75
Russia 2.27
United States 1.79
Spain 1.54
Argentina 1.20
Myanmar 2.00
Ukraine 1.50
World 222.80
Fig 3: Productivity (t/ha) of major garlic producing countries (2009-10)
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Indian productivity is just 5.22 metric tons per hectare, which is much lower than the
potential productivity and compare to the other leading producing countries (Anon., 2011). This
is due to unawareness of farmers about improved varieties, suitable agro-techniques and
incidence of pest and diseases.
Table 2: State wise area and production data for garlic
States Area ('000 ha) Production
('000 MT)
Yield (t/ ha)
Andhra Pradesh 0.40 4.00 10.00
Bihar 4.25 29.75 7.00
Gujarat 40.00 275.00 6.88
Himachal Pradesh 3.60 44.70 12.42
Jammu & Kashmir 2.30 32.00 13.91
Karnataka 4.20 30.20 7.19
Madhya Pradesh 54.00 228.00 4.22
Maharashtra 3.50 34.10 9.74
Orissa 11.00 35.80 3.25
Uttaranchal 35.10 190.50 5.43
West Bengal 1.20 7.30 6.08
These are the major garlic producing states Gujarat stands first in production followed by
Madhya Pradesh and Uttaranchal.
05
101520253035 Export from India
(tons)
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The major destinations for export of Indian garlic are Bangladesh, Philippines, Singapore,
UK and USA. In 2010-11, 19,000 metric tons of garlic was exported from India. The export has
been 2-3% of the total production. The quantum of exports has been fluctuating due to frequent
and sudden change in the policy of garlic-importing countries. In India, production of bigger-
cloved garlic is though not on big scale, it is picking up in northern hills and Nilgiri hills in view
of increasing demand in export market.
CROP IMPROVEMENT
Most of the garlic varieties through introduction, clonal selection and mutation breeding
methods. Clonal selection is most important breeding method. Method of improvement by cross
pollination id not viable in Garlic.
Garlic has been classified as long and short day varieties and it has also been classified as
hard neck (produce a flower but sexually sterile) and soft neck varieties (do not flower at all).
Improved varieties of Garlic from India
Varieties Organization
Agrifound white, Yamuna Safed 1-5 and Agrifound Parvathi NHRDF, Nasik
Godavari, Sweta and Phule Baswant MPKV, Rahuri
Ooty-1, CO-1 and CO-2 TNAU, Coimbatore
Bhima Omkar and Bhima Purple DOGR, Rajguru nagar
HG-01 and HG-02 HAU, Hissar
Pusa Sel-10 IARI, New Delhi
Pant lohit-01 and 02 Pant Nagar
1. Bhima Omkar
The bulbs of this variety are medium in size, compact and white in color, 18-20 cloves
per bulb, leaves narrow with medium green color and yields about 8-14 t/ha.
2. Godavari
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Medium size bulbs, average 24 cloves per bulb, highly pungent, ready for harvest 140 to
145 days after sowing, yield 10-12 t/ha.
3. Agrifound White (G-41)
Susceptible to purple blotch and Stemphyllium blight, highly pungent, average 26 cloves
per bulb, Ready for harvest 130 to 135 days after sowing, Yield 10 to 13 t/ha.
4. Yamuna Safed (G-01)
Solid bulb and attractive white colour, equatorial diameter 3.5 to 4.5 cm, yield 15 to 17
t/ha, tolerant to thrips and purple blotch.
5. Yamuna Safed 03 (G-282)
Bigger bulb sizes, Yellowish white in color, medium storability, yield 17 to 20 t/ha and
suitable for export.
6. Agrifound parvathi
Suitable for North-India, Pinkish white in color, Yield 17.5 to 22.5 t/ha. Medium
storability, Good for export.
2. Varietal Evaluation
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Table 3: Mean performance of garlic genotypes in relation to different Horticultural traits
Singh and Chand.,
2003
Genotype Bulb
wt. (g)
No.
cloves/bulb
Avg. wt. of
cloves (g)
Days to
maturity
TSS
(%)
Dry
matter(%)
Yield
(q/ha)
AFP 53.17 14.30 3.63 224 40.83 36.54 265.83
G-313 29.23 28.23 1.02 209 45.50 43.14 146.17
G-1 30.33 24.60 1.09 209 46.17 42.20 151.67
G-41 31.67 13.61 2.05 209 44.17 43.30 158.33
Sel. 360(B) 27.67 3.67 1.25 218 45.67 43.79 138.33
G-1 (B) 23.27 23.23 0.96 209 45.17 43.28 116.33
BJ-1 47.63 13.40 3.05 224 42.33 37.63 238.15
G-4 24.70 10.98 2.03 209 42.33 41.79 123.50
Local (A) 22.87 15.20 1.52 209 45.83 42.93 114.33
HPG-I 22.67 30.67 0.75 218 43.08 41.23 113.33
GHC-1 47.33 12.90 3.48 224 43.08 38.01 236.67
HPG-12 31.67 10.47 2.73 218 43.67 40.24 158.33
HPG-4 28.50 17.60 1.52 218 47.75 45.80 132.00
CD(P=0.05) 3.46 0.42 0.21 1.75 1.61 2.35 17.10
Singh and chand studied 30 varieties/clones of garlic to assess the mean performance of
garlic genotypes in relation to different Horticultural traits tested Results revealed that Agrifound
Parvati produced significantly maximum bulb yield followed by BJ-1 and GHC-1. Bulb weight
(53.17 g) was highest in Agrifound Parvati and was significantly higher to all the remaining
clones. The maximum number of cloves per bulb recorded was highest in HPG-1 (30.77).
Average clove weight (3.63 g) was maximum in Agrifound Parvati and was at par with GHC-1.
The maximum TSS (47.75 %) was observed in HPG-4. HPG-4 contained highest dry matter
(45.80 %) and was at par with Sel. 360 (B), HPG-6. The results revealed that the garlic cultivar
Agrifound Parvati was significantly superior for yield of bulbs (265.83 q/ha) as compared to all
other clones.
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SOIL AND CLIMATE
A wide range of soils with good drainage can be used for garlic cultivation. The soil
depth should be at least 45-60 cm. Garlic requires medium black well drained loamy soils, rich in
humus with fairly good potash content. Crops raised on sandy or loose soils have poor keeping
quality and bulbs produced are lighter in weight. Bulbs produced in heavy soils are deformed.
And during harvest many bulbs are broken and bruised. Extremely acidic as well as heavy clay
are not suited for this crop.
It can be grown under a wide range of climatic condition. However it cannot tolerate
weather that is too hot or too cold. Garlic is extremely hardy and survives long periods at
temperature below 00 C. Consequently in low temperature regions, it may be planted in autumn
or in spring. Studies on sowing dates in temperate regions have consistently showed that autumn
planting gives higher yield the mid-winter or spring planting. It prefers moderate temperature in
summer as well as in winter. It is a frost hardy crop requiring a cool 12-18o C and moist period
during growth and a relatively dry period during bulb maturity. Bulbing takes place at longer
days and at high temperatures. An average temperature of 25-300 C is conducive for bulb
initiation.
3. Cultivation Aspects
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Propagation
Garlic is propagated by cloves or bulblets that have been stored at 50 C for several
months. The size of the seed clove is important, larger cloves give higher yield. The seed should
be virus free and cloves used for planting should weigh between 3.0 to 5.5 grams. Highest yield
would be obtained using 5 g of cloves planted at 30 x 6 cm.
Bigger bulbs may be used for consumption and small bulbs for planting purposes. Here the size
of the clove can be regulated by plant spacing. Close spacing produces smaller bulbs.
Table 4: Effect of clove weight on growth and yield of garlic on cv. GG-3
Memane et al., 2008
Treatment
s
Plant
height
(cm)
No. of
leaves
Neck
thickness
(cm)
Avg.wt.
of Bulb
(g)
Diameter
of bulb
(cm)
No. of
cloves/
bulb
Avg.
wt. of
Clove
Yield
(t/ha)
Clove weight (g)
C1 (> 1.5) 54.40 9.94 0.49 15.90 2.98 23.08 0.89 11.37
C2 (1-1.5) 52.67 9.69 0.47 15.32 2.90 22.47 0.85 10.94
C3 (< 1) 49.82 9.50 0.45 14.33 2.66 20.50 0.81 9.94
C4 (mixed) 46.89 8.21 0.43 13.94 2.43 20.25 0.77 8.67
C.D. @5% 1.57 0.44 NS 0.42 0.11 0.75 0.03 0.53
Memane et al., studied on the Effect of clove weight on growth and yield of garlic on cv.
GG-3 with respect to growth, bulb development and yield an experiment was conducted. Except
for neck thickness, all other characters under study were significantly affected by clove weight.
Maximum plant height, number of leaves per plant average weight of bulb, average weight of
clove, number of cloves per bulb were recorded from the sowing of garlic with higher weighted
cloves (>1.5 g). Significantly highest bulb yield per hectare was recorded at highest weight of
cloves i.e. >1.5 g. while lowest yield was recorded in ungraded mixed cloves.
Higher vegetative growth under large clove size might be due to maximum reserved food
materials present in the cloves in the initial stage of growth.
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Max average weight of bulb was observed from large size cloves and it was minimum
from ungraded lot. This had happened due to heavy weighed seed cloves encouraged better
initial growth and higher photosynthesis rate.
Planting season and Spacing
Season:
1. September to November (Plains of North India)
2. August to November (South India)
3. March to April (Hilly region)
Spacing:
Spice board recommended spacing is 15x10cm and UAS Bangalore and UAS Darwad
recommended 15x7.5cm. General recommendation of spacing for Garlic is 15cm row to row and
10 cm from plant to plant.
Table 5: Effect of Planting dates on growth and yield characters of garlic
Chand et al., 2010
Treatment
s
Plant
height
(cm)
No. of
leaves/
plant
Plant girth
(cm)
Bulb yield
(t/ha)
Wt of bulb
(g)
Wt of
clove (g)
Planting dates
Nov 15th 56.30 20.00 3.22 5.40 16.20 0.99
Dec 5th 55.60 15.20 2.96 4.16 12.60 0.80
Dec 25th 51.60 10.10 2.62 2.93 8.80 0.39
C.D. @ 5% 0.63 0.17 0.03 0.66 2.01 0.14
A field experiment was conducted to assess the performance of garlic under three sowing
dates. Vegetative growth parameters significantly influenced with the earliest dates of planting
(November 15). The weight of individual clove was reduced by nearly 60% with delayed
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planting on December 25. Maximum yield of bulb was recorded (5.4 t ha-1) with early planting
date (November 15) along with application on NPK at the same level. Plant height and girth
were significantly influenced by different dates of planting. There was an increase in plant height
and basal girth with early planting (November 15).
Delayed planting reduced drastically the clove size. The weight of bulb was recorded
higher (16.2 g) with November 5 planting followed by 12.6 g (December 5) and 8.8 g (December
25). Thus delay in planting gradually decreased the weight of bulb. The individual clove weight
was reduced by 60 per cent with planting on December 25. The bulb yield was recorded
maximum (5.40 t ha-1) with first planting date followed by 0.629 kg plot-1 and 4.19 t ha-1 and
0.439 kg plot-1 and 2.93 t ha-1 with second and third planting dates respectively.
The reduction in bulb yield was nearly 22 and 45 per cent with December 5 and
December 25 planting respectively over 15 November planting. It appears from the results that
garlic should be planted during the second fortnight of November for better yield.
4. Integrated Nutrient Management
Table 6: Effect of spacing and different levels of nitrogen on growth and yield of garlic cv.
Yamuna Safed Singh and Singh, 2010
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Characters Plant height
(cm) No. of leaves
Diameter of
bulb
No. of Cloves
per bulb
Bulb Yield
(q/ha)
Spacing
S1 (10x10cm) 44.03 6.33 3.66 21.83 92.67
S2 (15x8cm) 44.13 6.42 3.68 22.49 92.28
S3(15X10cm) 44.35 6.54 3.86 23.57 91.09
C.D. (0.05) 0.24 0.07 0.072 0.24 1.03
Nitrogen (kg/ha)
N1 (50) 43.25 6.11 3.55 19.66 85.76
N2 (75) 43.77 6.36 3.62 21.77 90.28
N3 (100) 44.30 6.49 3.74 23.44 93.28
N4 (125) 45.36 6.77 3.83 25.66 97.74
C.D. @ 5% 0.28 0.08 0.06 0.51 1.78
Interaction (Spacing x Fertilizer)
S1N1 43.10 5.97 3.50 18.66 85.87
S1N2 43.72 6.27 3.60 21.33 91.20
S1N3 44.22 6.47 3.65 22.33 95.37
S1N4 45.09 6.63 3.83 25.00 98.23
S2N1 43.33 6.13 3.60 19.66 86.20
S2N2 43.76 6.37 3.60 21.66 90.70
S2N3 44.10 6.47 3.73 23.33 94.32
S2N4 45.44 6.74 3.80 25.33 97.92
S3N1 43.41 6.23 3.56 20.66 85.20
S3N2 43.82 6.43 3.66 22.23 88.94
S3N3 44.59 6.53 3.76 24.66 93.14
S3N4 45.56 6.94 3.83 26.66 97.07
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C.D. @ 5% 0.48 0.13 0.10 0.89 1.78
Singh and Singh studied on the Effect of spacing and different levels of nitrogen on
growth and yield of garlic with the three different spacing's i.e 10 cm x 10 cm, 15 cm x 8 cm and
15 cm x 10 cm and four level of nitrogen i.e. 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg per hectare in the form of
urea in garlic variety Yamuna Safed (G-1). The highest yield of 98.23 q ha -1 was obtained by
sowing the cloves at closer spacing of 10 cm x 10 cm and applying highest dose of nitrogen at
125 kg ha-1.
A considerable change in various growth characters and yield per hectare was noticed
due to variation in spacing between plants. The garlic plants planted at the distance of 15 cm x
10 cm keeping the lowest plant population per hectare produced highest average weight of garlic
bulb. The other characters indicated by diameter of bulb or weight of whole plant were also
maximum at this spacing. On the other hand highest population of plants per hectare i.e. spacing
the plants 10cm x 10cm. resulted the maximum yield of both bulb and whole plant. However,
diameters, weight per bulb and growth characters were minimum at this spacing.
On the other hand at wider spacing or lower plant population per unit area the plant could
get more area for plant nutrients and open space in air for spread which gave better chance of
development of growth character. As the density of plant population per unit area increased it
brought about a keen competition among plants for nutrients, light and air and resulted in poor
growth, ultimately causing reduced size of bulb and minimum fresh weight per bulb.
The most interesting point to note was that at 15cm x 10cm spacing the better
development of morphological characters and larger size of bulb could not compensate by the
reduction in yield due to lower plant population per unit area.
The application of nitrogen to the garlic plant increased the yield of both bulbs and whole
plant. The number of cloves and other morphological characters also increased significantly and
increase in the level of nitrogen up to 125 kg ha-1 produced a corresponding significant increase
in yield. This increase in yield and other growth characters might have been due to availability of
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nitrogen in greater amount. At lower fertility i.e. 50kg or 75 kg ha-1 the plants did not get
enough nitrogen for their growth and development thus smaller yield was obtained at lower
nitrogen amount. All the growth characters gave poor performance.
Table7: Influence of integrated nutrient management on vegetative growth of garlic cv.
GG-1 Mohd et al., 2011
Treatments 90 Days After planting Bulb yield
(q/ha)
TSS
(o Brix)
Ascorbic
acid
(mg/100g)
No. of
leaves/pl
Plant height
(cm)
T1 9.36 64.96 179.43 46.28 14.12
T2 8.73 62.22 168.79 42.78 13.73
T3 8.67 62.63 164.53 45.20 13.76
T4 9.26 63.25 175.88 43.85 14.05
T5 9.20 62.61 164.18 42.31 12.92
T6 8.54 62.67 163.12 42.82 13.87
T7 9.04 61.26 165.24 43.54 14.00
T8 8.67 61.58 158.86 44.63 13.97
T9 8.67 61.94 155.31 45.09 13.74
Control 8.48 59.40 173.40 43.26 12.58
C.D. @ 5% 0.28 1.51 3.27 1.87 0.67
T1– 25% RDF + 75 % through FYM
T2- 25% RDF + 75 % through Vermicompost
T3- 25% RDF + 75 % Bio compost
T4- 50% RDF + 50 % through FYM
T5- 50% RDF + 50 % Vermicompost
T6- 50% RDF + 50 % Bio compost
T7- 75% RDF + 25 % FYM
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T8- 75% RDF + 25 % Vermicompost
T9- 75% RDF + 25 % Bio compost
T10- Control (NPK 100:75:75 kg/ha
A field experiment was conducted on effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on
growth, yield and quality of garlic cv. GG-1 and from the results, it is seen that 25 per cent RDF
+ 75 per cent through FYM produced more average bulb weight. In case of quality parameters 25
per cent RDF + 75 per cent through FYM was showing maximum TSS and ascorbic acid over all
other treatments. The 50 per cent RDF + 50 per cent through FYM also showed beneficial effect
over all other treatments with control in respect to growth, yield and quality parameters of garlic.
In general, it is seen that application of organic manures with their different level of combination
with reduced doses of inorganic fertilizer significantly influenced the growth characters.
Number of leaves per plant: significantly more number of leaves per plant in T1 as
compared to other treatments this effect could be attributed to the solubilization effect of plant
nutrients by addition of FYM and chelating effect of metal ions leading to higher subsequent up
take of NPK by plant. And FYM might have enhanced the efficiency of fertilizers also.
Height of the plant: highest in T1 this is because it is a well known fact that plants require
number of macro and micro elements for their normal and healthy growth which were
subsequently supplied by organic manures.
Yield per hectare significantly increased in plants given integrations of fertilizers of
fertilizers with FYM treatment receiving 25% RDF + 75 % through FYM received significantly
highest bulb yield per hectare. The healthy top growth might have responsible for higher rate of
photosynthesis, this might have accumulated carbohydrates which resulted increased the overall
yield. And also integrated effect of the nutrients had been responsible for growth characters
might have definitely been responsible for increase in yield.
Table 8: Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield of garlic cv. Yamuna Safed-03
Patil et al., 2007
Treatment Cured wt. of No. of cloves / Wt. of clove / Bulb yield q/ha
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bulb (g) bulb (g) bulb (g)
T1 30.26 14.00 2.13 188.26
T2 27.17 19.00 1.40 177.15
T3 25.46 20.00 1.26 175.50
T4 29.06 15.00 1.93 180.81
T5 28.66 17.00 1.66 180.68
T6 30.93 14.00 2.40 189.33
T7 34.40 12.00 2.73 193.31
T8 (Control) 20.40 16.00 0.88 170.47
C.D. @ 5% 3.30 1.04 0.34 6.07
Patil et al., 2007 conducted an experiment on the Effect of organic and inorganic
fertilizers on yield of garlic cv. Yamuna Safed-03. The experiment consists of seven treatments.
The biometrical observations as well as bulb characters and yield of garlic were significantly
influenced by the combine use of inorganic chemical fertilizers with organic sources of nutrients.
This might be due to gradual and steady release of nutrient during the growth period as well as
enhanced biological activity and proper nutrition to the crop. Thus, for better biometric and bulb
character and marketable yield of garlic, combined use of inorganic and organic sources of
nutrient supply is suggested.
This table shows the data on bulb characters and yield of garlic. Significant differences in
respect of fresh weight of bulb and cured weight of bulb were observed in treatments receiving
organic and inorganic fertilizers. Maximum cured bulb weight is observed in T7, which was
significantly higher than other treatments. The treatments T2, T3, T5, and T8 were statistically
on par with each other.
Significantly lower cured weight of bulb was recorded in the treatment T8. the maximum
number of cloves per bulb was recorded in the treatment T8 followed by T3 and T2. The lower
number of cloves per bulb was found in the treatment T7. As regards clove weight, maximum
mean weight of clove was recorded in the treatment T7. This was significantly superior to the
rest of the treatments except treatment T6.
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The treatments T2, T3, T4 were statistically on par with each other. Significantly lower
weight of clove was recorded in the treatment T8. Highest bulb weight per plot was recorded in
the treatment T7, followed by T6 and treatment T1 which was significantly superior over to rest
of the treatment under study. As regards to yield per hectare, the treatment T7 recorded highest
bulb yield. The treatment T1 and treatment T6 were statistically on par with the treatment T8.
Table 9: Effect of micronutrients on yield of garlic var. G-41
Rohidas et al., 2010
Treatments Fresh wt
of bulb (g)
Cured wt
of bulb (g)
Length of
clove (cm)
Diameter
of clove
(cm)
Wt of
clove (g)
Bulb yield
(q/ha)
Zinc
2ppm 32.81 30.50 3.00 1.31 2.14 150.45
3ppm 30.93 28.45 2.79 1.23 1.65 143.61
4ppm 35.55 33.15 3.47 1.7 2.65 155.39
Boron
0.25ppm 28.78 25.59 2.45 1.20 1.25 137.53
0.50ppm 31.72 29.04 2.89 1.25 1.93 142.85
0.75ppm 34.78 32.10 3.21 1.33 2.29 151.21
Molybdenum
2.5ppm 27.69 26.91 2.60 1.21 1.38 142.85
5.0ppm 28.80 25.57 2.47 1.17 1.24 137.91
7.5ppm 30.92 28.46 2.78 1.24 2.63 143.23
Control 24.02 20.45 2.50 1.05 0.90 129.17
C.D. @ 5% 0.95 3.94 0.41 0.13 0.45 0.11
Rohidas et al., 2010 conducted an field experiment on Effect of micronutrients on yield
of garlic var. G-41. By using three different micronutrients i.e zinc, boron and molybdenum at
various concentrations. This revealed that application micronutrient T3 significantly increased
the mean fresh weight and cured weight of bulb (35.55g) and (33.15g), length of clove and yield
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per hectare over control. Among all level of micronutrient application of zinc 4ppm was found
best which is followed by T6 boron at 7.5 ppm over control.
The result indicated that healthy top growth might be responsible for higher rate of
photosynthesis, might have been accumulated in bulb. Therefore it increased size and weight of
bulb. Cell division, fruit and seed development, sugar transport, and hormone development. Zinc
also helps in production of auxin, an essential growth hormone, formation of chlorophyll and
carbohydrates and enables plants to withstand lower air temperatures
Table 10: Effect of biofertilizer and chemical fertilizers on growth, yield and quality
attributes of garlic (Allium sativum) Chattoo et. al., 2007
Biofertilizers
Bo- No biofertilizer
B1- Azospirillium + Phophobacteria
B2- Azotobacter + Phosphobacteria
Chemical fertilizers (60 kg K2O Common)
To- No nitrogen and phosphorus
T1- 50 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 ha-1
T2- 75 kg N + 45 kg P2O5 ha-1
T3- 100 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 ha-1
Treatments Plant
height
(cm)
Avg.
bulb wt.
(g)
Bulb
diameter
(cm)
Yield/ha
(q)
No.
cloves/ha
Dry
matter
cont. (g)
TSS (o
Brix)
Biofertilizer
Bo 60.91 17.35 2.82 115.79 7.94 38.15 18.68
B1 70.76 25.83 `4.21 172.47 9.88 41.05 21.35
B2 75.01 29.08 4.80 193.99 10.74 43.40 23.35
CD (P=0.05) 1.06 0.74 0.11 4.89 0.28 0.86 1.11
Chemical
fertilizer
To 67.33 22.97 3.78 153.30 9.18 40.00 20.88
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T1 68.26 23.32 3.80 155.56 9.40 40.66 21.04
T2 68.61 24.35 3.96 162.42 9.56 41.24 21.13
T3 71.38 25.73 4.23 171.62 9.94 41.56 21.47
CD (0.05) 1.23 0.85 0.13 5.65 0.33 1.00 NS
Chemical X
biofertilizers
To Bo 57.93 14.93 2.46 99.63 7.10 35.66 17.90
To B1 59.30 15.93 2.56 106.40 7.70 38.20 18.63
To B2 60.90 18.23 2.96 121.60 8.26 39.63 19.21
T1 Bo 65.53 20.30 5.33 135.53 8.73 39.13 19.00
T1 B1 68.23 23.30 3.80 155.53 9.33 40.26 20.75
T1 B2 71.36 26.13 4.26 174.56 10.10 40.86 21.50
T2 Bo 70.23 26.26 4.26 175.16 9.83 40.96 21.17
T2 B1 73.23 27.73 4.53 184.83 10.26 42.10 22.00
T2 B2 75.83 30.70 5.13 204.73 11.13 44.06 24.00
T3 B0 74.13 27.90 4.565 186.23 10.40 42.93 23.00
T3 B1 74.70 28.56 4.66 190.50 10.60 43.13 23.00
T3 B2 75.40 29.16 4.83 194.50 10.83 43.46 23.41
CD (P=0.05) 2.13 1.48 0.23 9.78 0.57 1.73 NS
Biofertilizer had a beneficial effect on growth, yield and quality of garlic. Biofertilizer
mixture of Azotobacter + Phosphobacteria proved significantly superior to Azospirillium +
phophobacteria. Increasing levels of chemical fertilizers, enhanced growth, yield and quality
attributes, recording maximum values with 100kg N + 60kg P2O5/ ha. The effects were much
more pronounced when Azotobacter + Phosphobacteria was applied in conjugation with 75 kg N
+ 45 kg P2O5 ha-1, resulting in a fertilizer economy of 25% without affecting crop yield. The
treatment included three levels of biofertilizers Bo, B1, B2 and four levels of chemical
treatments. The fertilizer potassium and FYM applied to all treatments at the rate of 60 kg and 20
tons per hectare. Full phosphorus, potash and 50% of nitrogen was applied as a basal dose, while
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remaining nitrogen was applied as top dose in two splits. The maximum value of 75.01cm was
recorded in B2 (plant height)
Growth regulators
Cycocel at 1000 ppm during the 3rd, 12th and 18th weeks after planting.
To increase the storage life of the bulbs over a period of 6 months, the plants have to be
sprayed with Cycocel at 1000 ppm during the 3rd, 12th and 18th weeks after planting.
Plant height was depressed under the treatment of Cycocel 1000 ppm than control.
Maximum plant height was recorded under the treatment 50 ppm NAA.
IRRIGATION
Irrigation at 60 mm CPE is optimum for a good garlic crop. Irrigation frequencies should
be decreased towards crop maturity as more moisture causes regeneration and emergence of
sprouts which results in non uniform maturity.
Table 11: Effect of irrigation intervals on yield attributes of garlic (Allium sativum L.).
Ahmed et al., 2007
Irrigation
interval
2002-2003 2003-2004
Bulb
weight (g)
No. of
cloves/
bulb
Clove
weight (g)
Bulb
weight (g)
No. of
cloves/
bulb
Clove
weight (g)
3 days 12.8 10.5 0.70 12.8 10.5 0.81
5 days 10.5 9.5 0.58 10.5 9.5 0.69
7 days 8.4 8.7 0.58 8.4 8.7 0.68
9 days 8.4 7.5 0.55 8.4 7.5 0.44
Among the different treatments studies, irrigating the crop after every 3 days could be
attributed to availability of water at the root zone and this increased photosynthetic ability of the
crop and also very vital for both transpiration and tissue formation and this resulted in increased
bulb size and quality.
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Based on the two seasons experiment, it is deduced that the application of water at 3 days
interval and the use of large sized cloves appeared optimum for maximum performance of garlic.
Based on the 2 seasons experiment, it is deduced that the application of water at 3 days interval
appeared optimum for maximum performance of garlic.
Mulching
Mulching conserves moisture, moderates soil temperatures and inhibits weeds.
Table 12: Effect of different mulches on yield and yield components of garlic
Haque et. al.,
2003
Treatments No. roots
/pl.
No.
leaves/
pl.
Cloves
No.
/bulb
Fresh
bulb(g
)
Dry
bulb(
g)
Yld.
(t/ha)
Length
of bulb
(cm)
Diameter
of bulb
(cm)
M1 72.33 9.0 30.00 13.81 5.29 9.16 3.41 3.4
M2 69.83 8.4 31.83 13.36 4.65 8.87 3.22 3.83
M3 42.33 4.4 10.50 2.62 0.90 1.67 2.9 1.65
M4 63.33 7.8 27.83 12.37 3.45 8.2 3.05 3.05
M5 66.33 8.2 28.67 12.70 4.19 8.44 3.15 3.15
M6 45.17 4.9 14.67 4.37 1.58 3.5 2.75 2.08
M7 49.83 4.9 17.33 7.10 2.17 4.65 2.80 2.68
A study conducted by Haque et al., (2003) on effect of natural and synthetic mulch on
garlic revealed that, significant variations exist among the different mulches in respect of
morphological characters and yield of garlic. Water hyacinth mulch produced the tallest plant
with maximum number of leaves and roots per plant, higher fresh and dry weight of bulb and
highest yield per hectare. Bulb diameter and number of cloves per bulb were higher in black
polyethylene mulch.
Plant height was comparatively higher (55.48 cm) with water hyacinth mulch probably
due to the retention of maximum available soil moisture. Plants with transparent polyethylene
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mulch could not accomplish vegetative growth compared to water hyacinth mulch due to
excessive weed infestation as was observed in this study. A yield increase with the water
hyacinth mulch may be attributed to soil moisture conservation, recycling of plant nutrients,
entrapment of Aeolian materials and stimulation of microbial activity. The yield reduction by the
application of the transparent polyethylene mulch may be due to the competition of the crop with
weed that grew under it.
Table 13: Effect of different manual weeding intervals on quality parameters of garlic
Habib et al., 2011
Weeding
intervals
(Days)
Bulb
diameter
(cm)
Bulb wt
(g)
Bulb yld.
(t/ha)
Weed
density (m2)
Fresh weed
biomass (g/m2)
Dry weed
biomass
(g/m2)
15 5.54a 19.50a 15.00a 7.60f 62.20f 8.22f
30 4.12b 16.60b 12.00b 38.40e 345.20e 43.80e
45 3.06c 15.60c 10.70c 47.80d 413.20d 55.60d
60 2.62cd 14.60d 9.70d 59.20c 514.60c 68.60c
75 2.32de 13.50e 9.00e 70.60b 635.20d 84.40b
Control 2.00e 12.40f 7.00f 8.20a 754.40a 95.40a
The data recorded in different plots, where weeds were uprooted manually at intervals of
15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days, were compared with control, where weeds were left free to grow
throughout the crop season. Garlic bulb yield and yield related parameters i.e. bulb diameter,
bulb height and bulb weight were highly significantly (p≤0.01) influenced by different weeding
intervals as compared to control (no weeding).
The maximum bulb yield was found in plot with 15 days weeding interval whereas,
minimum bulb yield was recorded in control. Similarly weed density, weed fresh and dry
biomass reduced significantly (p≤0.01) with decrease in weeding intervals. It is concluded from
the study that weeds density, fresh and dry weed biomass decreased significantly with an
increase in manual weeding intervals, resulting in increased garlic yield (t ha-1) because of
significant increase in the attributing components (bulb diameter, height and weight).
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In spite of the fact that manual weeding is a tedious, laborious and time consuming job;
maximum crop yield can be achieved with frequent manual weeding intervals throughout the
crop season. As the labour is cheaper and easily available during the crop season therefore,
maximum profit could be obtained due to low cost of production to raise the economic status of
the farmers in the area under study.
Table also explains that bulb weight gradually decreased with increase in weeding
intervals. As garlic has a very small canopy and there is enough space for weeding at early
growth stages therefore it necessitates weeding as an important cultural practice for getting
higher marketable bulb yield.
Table 14: Effect of different weedicides on yield parameters of garlic
Shakeel et
al., 2007
Treatments Fresh weed
biomass (kg/m2)
Avg. Bulb wt (g) Bulb yield (t/ha) Yld. increase
over weedy
check (t/ha)
Oxadiazon* 0.47b 29.2b 8.85a 7.32
Glyphosatee* 1.06b 26.6c 7.39b 5.87
Pendimethalin* 0.73c 31.9a 9.51a 7.98
Metribuzin * 0.87b 29.5b 8.91a -0.93
Weedy check 3.10a 12.52d 1.52c -
In different weed control treatments, manual hoeing over the application of herbicide
resulted in lower fresh biomass of weeds as compared to herbicide application alone followed by
no hoeing. each additional hoeing after the application of pendimethalin resulted in further
reduction in fresh biomass of weeds. Control plots having no weed control produced maximum
fresh biomass (3.29 and 3.10 kgm2). The variability in weed fresh biomass in different herbicide
treatments may be attributed to the fact that some herbicide treatments were more effective for
weed control than the other was. The highest fresh weed biomass was recorded in weedy check
because of the prolonged growth period of weeds.
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All herbicide treatments followed by hoeing except metribuzin gave bulb yield at par
with weed free treatment. Metribuzin resulted in minimum bulb yield (0.59 t/ha) because of its
extreme phytotoxicity to garlic crop, which resulted in the survival of a few plants.
Pendimethalin in combination with manual hoeing gave the highest bulb yield and monetary
returns.
These studies suggest that pendimethalin in combination with manual hoeing can be
successfully applied to boost up the bulb yield in garlic and to harvest the maximum profit for
raising the economic status of farmers.
5. Plant protection measures
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Garlic is mainly affected by two diseases they are, Stemphylium blight and purple blotch
diseases.
Table 15: Performance of garlic varieties against Purple blotch disease and yield
Mehra and Batra, 2005
Highly resistant- (0%)
Resistant (less than 5%)
Moderately resistant (6-10%)
Susceptible (26-50 %)
Highly susceptible (more than 50%)
Genotype % disease
intensity Disease reaction
Wt. of
bulbs (g) Yield (q/ha)
G-01 6.60 Moderately resistant (6-10%) 32.00 143.7
G-41 81.60 Highly susceptible (more than 50%) 32.20 94.20
G-50 31.60 Susceptible (26-50 %) 30.90 102.70
G-282 5.00 Resistant (less than 5%) 40.70 158.80
HG-1 30.50 Susceptible 23.00 52.20
HG-17 1.50 Resistant 36.00 159.00
HG-19 0.60 Resistant 43.00 147.50
LG-1 4.30 Resistant 20.10 97.50
Sel-10 10.00 Moderately resistant 27.10 121.20
C.D. @ 5% 0.70 - 1.40 15.80
Nine varieties of garlic viz., G-1, G-41, G-50, G-282, HG-1, HG-17, HG-19, LG-1 and
Sel-10 were evaluated against purple blotch disease caused by Alternaria porri (Ellis) Cif. and
their yield potential. The varieties categorized based upon per cent disease intensity as highly
resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and highly susceptible. Among
them, four varieties namely HG-17 (0.5%), HG-19 (2.6%), LG-1 (4.3%) and G-282 (5.0%) were
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found resistant and two varieties Sel-10 (10.0%) and G-1 (6.0%) showed moderately resistant
reaction. G-50 (31.6%) and HG-1 (30.5%) varieties exhibited susceptible reaction and G-41
(81.6%) was found highly susceptible against purple blotch disease.
Resistant varieties showed significantly higher yield than susceptible varieties. The
highest yield was recorded in HG-17 variety (159 q/ha) followed by G-282 (158.8 q/ha), HG-19
(147.5 q/ha) and G-1 (143.7 q/ha). Lowest yield was observed in variety HG-1 (52.2 q/ha). The
result revealed that resistant varieties and moderately resistant varieties can be used by breeders
as source of resistant and by farmers for cultivation. The high yielding variety HG-17 could be
cultivated in areas where purple blotch is severe problem.
Table 16: Effect of fungicides spray on Stemphyllium blight disease intensity and yield of
garlic (G-15) Kumar et al., 2011
Fungicides Conc. (%) Avg. disease
intensity (%)
Avg. yield
(Kg/plot)
% increase in
yield over
control
Mancozeb 0.25 9.80 3.86 36.30
Bavistin 0.10 14.30 3.44 34.50
Captan 0.20 21.30 3.23 25.60
Topsin 0.20 25.50 3.16 23.80
Benomyl 0.20 27.70 2.83 12.70
Zineb 0.20 31.60 2.79 9.60
Control 0.20 47.50 2.56 -
C.D. @ 5% - 3.98 0.39 -
Kumar et al., 2011 tested ten fungicides on Effect of fungicides spray on Stemphyllium
blight disease intensity and yield of garlic in vitro. Out of ten fungicides these seven chemicals
were found most effective and inhibited the growth of the fungus completely. Then all these
fungicides were used in field in controlling the disease in comparison to control (without
fungicide). Here spraying of mancozeb at 0.25% and bavistin at 0.10% were found most
effective in reducing disease intensity at 15 days interval during experimentation. Mancozeb,
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Bavistin, Captan, Topsin gave significantly increased yield being on par to each other. However
mean maximum yield, 3.86 kg/plot was obtained by applying mancozeb which gave 36.3%
increased in mean yield over control.
Table 17: Effect of treated garlic cloves and foliar spray of mancozeb on Stemphyllium
blight disease intensity and yield of garlic
Kumar et al.,
2011
Mancozeb Disease intensity
(%) Avg. yield (q/ha)
% increase in yield
over control
Clove treatment (0.25%) 30.80 100.70 17.80
Clove treatment + Single
foliar spray (0.25%) 20.60 111.60 30.65
Clove treatment + two
foliar spray (0.25%) 8.70 119.30 39.55
Control 47.50 85.50 -
C.D. @ 5% - 06.42 -
Further studies on Effect of treated garlic cloves and foliar spray of mancozeb on
Stemphyllium blight disease intensity and yield of garlic clove treatment of mancozeb (0.25%)
along with two foliar sprays of same fungicides gave the lowest disease intensity (8.7%). This
treatment is also resulted the maximum increase in mean yield over control (39.55%).
In conclusion, mancozeb (0.25%) was the most effective in controlling stemphylium
blight of garlic caused by Stemphylium botryosum in both laboratory and glass house condition.
In field trial, the disease was reduced with increased yield by using mancozeb. This mancozeb
can be used in farmers’ field against stemphylium blight of garlic.
Pests
Garlic is mainly infected by thrips (Thrips tabaci)
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Table 18: Mortality of Thrips tabaci at different doses of two mycoinsecticides
Gajera et al.,
2009
Treatment 3 DA T 5 DA T 7 DA T Mean
V. lecanii @ 3 g/ liter of water 87.59 90.13 91.72 89.87
V. lecanii @ 4 g/ liter of water 91.05 92.94 93.54 92.54
V. lecanii @ 5 g/ liter of water 92.50 93.39 94.53 93.50
V. lecanii @ 6 g/ liter of water 94.20 96.25 96.77 95.81
V. lecanii @ 7 g/ liter of water 98.22 99.31 99.90 99.32
B. bassiana @ 4 g/ liter of water 75.15 77.99 79.93 77.72
B. bassiana @ 5 g/ liter of water 81.49 84.28 86.26 84.06
B. bassiana @ 6 g/ liter of water 87.51 91.01 92.02 90.26
B. bassiana @ 7 g/ liter of water 91.11 93.84 95.33 93.53
B. bassiana @ 8 g/ liter of water 96.02 96.75 97.71 96.86
A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the effective dose of two
mycoinsecticides against Thrips tabaci infecting garlic. Fresh garlic leaves are collected from the
unsprayed garlic field, washed properly with clean water and air-dried was used for the study.
The spray of each treatment was applied to garlic leaves separately with the help of atomizer.
Care was taken to obtain the uniform coverage of treatment. Treated leaves were allowed to dry
under ceiling fan for 5 minutes. The one day old third instar nymphs of T. tabaci were kept in
plastic boxes (7.5 cm´ 3.9 cm) along with lid made up of small holes for ventilation. Then these
treated leaves were provided as food for them. Twenty five nymphs per treatment in each
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repetition were kept. The nymphs were provided with fresh untreated food after 24 hours of
feeding on the treated food.
Mortality counts were recorded at 3, 5 and 7 days after the treatment. The data on percent
mortality of third instars nymphs of garlic thrips obtained at 3, 5, 7 days after the spray revealed
that among different treatments V. lecanii @ 7 g/ltr gave significantly the highest mortality as it
recorded 98.22, 99.31, 99.90, 99.32 % mortality respectively. However, it was statistically at par
with B. bassiana @ 8 g/l, V. lecanii @ 6 g/l, V. lecanii @ 5 g/l, B. bassiana @ 7 g/l and V.
lecanii @ 4 g/ltr. Looking to the results of V. lecanii and B. bassiana mycosis in relation to dose
indicated that both the treatments at higher doses were most effective. The study concluded that
the mortality of thrips was comparatively higher in the treatment of V. lecanii as compared to B.
bassiana. The mortality was increased with the increase in the dose of both the mycoinsecticides.
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6. Harvesting and yield
Generally the garlic crop is ready for harvest 130-150 days after planting, depends on
cultivar, soil and season. At the stage tops become partly dry and bend to the ground. An early
harvest results in poor quality bulbs, which cannot be stored for long periods. Delayed harvest in
the splitting and resprouting of bulbs in some cultivars. Normally 4-12 t/ha of bulbs are obtained.
The recovery of cloves from the bulbs would be 86-96%.
Conclusion
Evolution of new garlic cultivar and improved production technologies has resulted in
higher production of garlic in India.
But still there is a need to increase the productivity as it is low as compared to countries
like China and Egypt by adopting advanced agro-techniques.
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7. References
ANONYMOUS, 2011, National Horticulture Database, 2010-11, pp. 6.
CHATTOO, M, A., AHMED, N., FAHEEMA, S., NARAYAN, S., KHAN, S, H. AND
HUSSAIN, K., 2007, Response of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) to biofertilizer application.
The Asian J. Hort., 2 (2) : 249-252.
GAJERA, R. C., KAPADIA, M. N. AND JETHVA, D. M., 2009, Dose response of
mycoinsecticides against Thrips tabaci Lindeman on garlic. Agric. Sci. Digest. 29 (4) : 306-
309.
HAQUE, M, S., ISLAM, M, R., KARIM, M, A. AND KHAN, M, A, H., 2003, Effect of natural
and synthetic mulches on garlic (Allium sativum L.). Asian J. Pl. Sci., 2 (1), 83-89.
KUMAR, U., SINGH, J., NARESH, P. AND SINGH, R., 2011, Management of Stemphylium
blight of garlic through chemicals. Ann. Pl. Protec. Sci. 19 (1) : 126-128.
MEHMOOD, T., KHOKHAR, K. M. AND SHAKEEL. M., 2007, Integrated weed management
practices in garlic crop in Pakistan Crop Protec. 26 (7) : 1031–1035.
MEHRA. R. AND BATRA. V,, 2005, Evaluation of garlic varieties against purple blotch disease
and yield, J. Med. Arom. Pl. Sci. 27 : 7-9.
MEMANE, P. G., RUKAM, S., TOMER, D. K. KULKARNI, G. U., and Chovatia, R. S., 2008,
Effect of clove weight and plant growth regulators on growth and yield of garlic (Allium
sativum. Linn.) cv. GG-03. Asian J. Hort., 3 (1) : 143-145.
MOHD, T, A., DESAI, J, D., PARMAR, S, B. AND PARMAR, B.R., 2011, Effect of organic
and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of garlic cv. GG-1. The Asian J.
Hort.; 6 (1) : 52-55.
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PATIL, M, B., SHITOLE, D, S., SHINDE, S, B. AND PURANDARE, N, D., 2007, Response of
garlic to organic and inorganic fertilizers. J. Hort. Sci., 2 (2) ; 130-133.
ROHIDAS, S, B., BHARADIYA, P, S., JATURE, S, D. AND GHATE, K, B., 2010, Effect of
micronutrient on growth and yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.). The Asian J. Hort., 5 (2) :
517-519.
SINGH, P, K., AND SINGH, D. R., 2010, Effect of spacing and levels of nitrogen on growth and
yield of garlic. Indian J. Hort. 67 : 305-307.
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