CARACTERIZAÇÃO MORFOFISIOLÓGICA DE CULTIVARES DE Allium sativum SOB DIFERENTES FOTOPERÍODOS

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the most economically significant vegetables in Brazil. Environmental factors, such as an extended photoperiod, are crucial for proper development of this crop. Without ideal conditions, plants remain in the vegetative stage, preventing bulb formation. In regions where these requirements are not naturally met, vernalization is necessary. However, even after vernalization, the crop remains sensitive to climatic variations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the physiology and morphology of four garlic cultivars under two photoperiod conditions, aiming to evaluate the effects of these conditions on cultivars growth and bulb formation processes. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber, with the cultivars grown under photoperiods of 11 hours of light/13 hours of darkness (11/13h) and 13 hours of light/11 hours of darkness (13/11h). Morphological and physiological characteristics were assessed at 45 and 73 days after planting (DAP). The results showed that the 13-hour photoperiod favored larger bulb diameters and weights in noble cultivars. Although there was a decrease in photosynthetic rates, the Chonan cultivar achieved the highest results in bulb diameter and weight. However, to accurately determine which cultivar is best suited for short-day regions, further studies are needed that combine variables beyond photoperiod, such as temperature and irradiance.