Performance of garlic genotypes under Sub montane Zone of Maharashtra

Knowledge about the morphological characteristics of garlic genotypes is most important for selection of the appropriate varieties for appropriate place and achievement of high yields. Besides, characterization is an important aspect for documentation of the performance of the studied cultivars, which subsequently helps for introduction, selection and improvement in existing varieties of garlic.

The experimental material was comprised of 16 genotypes of garlic viz., Phule Baswant, Phule Nilima, Kalwan Local, DN-49-395, DN-49-364, Marwar Local, G-284, G-222, G-444, G-41, G-119, G-215, G-752, G-546, Satara Local and Dahiwadi Local. The collected genotypes of garlic was dibbled on flat beds of 1.5 m × 1.0 m dimensions at a spacing of 15x10 cm in randomized block design with three replications and a total plot size of 72.00 m². The soil selected for present investigation was of medium texture and rich in organic matter. FYM was applied @ 25 t/ha at the time of land preparation and recommended dose of fertilizers i.e. 100:50:50 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha was applied. The observations on growth parameters at harvest, yield attributes, incidence of pests and diseases, physiological loss in weight (%) and decay percentage at the end of 90 days of storage at ambient temperature were recorded.

The data revealed that, the genotypes viz., Phule Nilima, Phule Baswant and G-41 had recorded the better performance with respect to growth and yield attributes with minimum disease and pest incidence and least physiological loss in weight and decay at the end of 90 days of storage at ambient temperature.