Jalaja S. Menon*, Shibana S.N. and Binoo P. Bonny
Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala
Email: jalaja.menon@kau.in
Received-17.01.2018, Revised-02.02.2018
Abstract: Commercialgarlic cultivation in Kerala is confined to Kanthalloor and Vattavada panchayaths of Devikulam block, Idukki. A unique system of production, curing and storage of garlic exists in this high range, having an annual temperature of 23.70C and rainfall 1276mm. The study revealed that the extent and experience in garlic cultivation was more in Vattavada though two cropping seasons were practiced in Kanthalloor. “Mettupalayam”, “Singapore” and land race “Malapoondu” are the major ecotypes grown in this area. Storability is more in “Singapore” and “Malapoondu” but farmers prefer “Metupalayam” because of its short duration. Yield contributing parameters like equatorial diameter(4.3cm), polar diameter(4.2cm) and bulb weight(21.8g) were significantly high in Singapore. The skin thickness(1.58mm) and average number of cloves per bulb(18.3) were more in “Malapoondu”. The major constraints in garlic production as perceived by farmers were small size of garlic cloves, high incidence of pest and disease and attack by wild animals.
Keywords: Bulb characters, Constraints in production, Ecotypes, Garlic, Kerala
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