Influence of Flat Covers and Sowing Density on Yield and Chemical Composition of Garlic Cultivated for Bundle-Harvest

In 2003-2005 years the experiment of influence of flat covers usage (non-woven polypropylene and perforated polyethylene film) and clove sowing rate (20x2, 20x4, 20x6, 20x8 cm) on quantity and quality of garlic yield cultivated for bundle-harvest was carried out. Covering with non-woven polypropylene and perforated film was found to increase the yield of spring garlic cv ‘Jarus’ by 24.5% in comparison to open-field cultivation (control). Nevertheless the film type covered plants were higher, produced more leaves and longer leaves what resulted in higher weight per plant. On the other hand the leaves of garlic grown in open field contained significantly higher amount of dry matter and vitamin C compared to covered ones. Marketable yield of garlic was also considerably dependent of clove sowing rate. The highest yield was observed while 20x2 cm density was applied. However, significantly longest leaves and highest weight per plant were obtained at 20x4 cm sowing rate.