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Title: Regional specificity of genetically diverse garlic varieties

Author
item Volk, Gayle
item ROSEN, CARL - UNIV OF MN
item ALLAN, DEBORAH - UNIV OF MN.
item OCALLAGHAN, ANGELA - UNIV OF NV, LAS VEGAS
item ZANDSTRA, JOHN - UNIV OF GUELPH RIDGETOWN
item STERN, DAVID - ASSOCIATION OF GARLIC INC

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/24/2008
Publication Date: 7/24/2008
Citation: Volk, G.M. Rosen, C., Allan, D., Ocallaghan, A., Zandstra, J., Stern, D. 2008. Regional specificity of genetically diverse garlic varieties. American Society for Horticultural Science. Annual Conference. July 21-24, 2008. Orlando, FL. 43:1109-1110. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary: Garlic is a profitable crop for small to medium-sized vegetable farmers. Despite the increasing market for specialty garlic, it is remarkable how little is known about the diverse types of garlic available. Farmers need to know which garlic types perform well under their growing conditions, and they need reliable descriptors to publicize these types to their customers. Bulbs from ten diverse garlic types were sent to garlic growers in 11 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Bulbs harvested in 2006 were analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics and cloves were replanted in the growers’ fields for the 2007 season. The same traits were assayed after the second year. We found that some garlic types excelled in certain regions and that nutrient content and appearance was highly correlated with farming conditions. As a result of this project, growers were introduced to new garlic varieties that performed well under their growth conditions, thus expanding their potential markets. We also identified traits to aid in the classification of garlic varieties.

Technical Abstract: Garlic is a profitable crop for small to medium-sized vegetable farmers. Despite the increasing market for specialty garlic, it is remarkable how little is known about the diverse types of garlic available. Farmers need to know which garlic types perform well under their growing conditions, and they need reliable descriptors to publicize these types to their customers. Bulbs from ten diverse garlic types were sent to garlic growers in 11 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Bulbs harvested in 2006 were analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics and cloves were replanted in the growers’ fields for the 2007 season. The same traits were assayed after the second year. We found that some garlic types excelled in certain regions and that nutrient content and appearance was highly correlated with farming conditions. As a result of this project, growers were introduced to new garlic varieties that performed well under their growth conditions, thus expanding their potential markets. We also identified traits to aid in the classification of garlic varieties.