Exogenous application of plant growth regulators enhances flowering and induces the production of botanical seeds in garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The quest to restore the capacity for botanical seed production in garlic is fundamental for increasing genetic variability and facilitating the selection of superior genotypes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous plant growth regulators on the flowering capacity and production of botanical seeds in garlic. The experiment was conducted in the Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Brazil, in a randomized complete block design with four replications in a 7×3 factorial design. Each experimental unit consisted of three 5 dm³ pots, maintained under open-field conditions. Six doses of different plant growth regulators were evaluated: GA3 and PBZ (3.5 mg/L GA3; 9 mg/L GA3; 18 mg/L GA3; 480 mg/L PBZ; 3,600 mg/L PBZ; 7,200 mg/L PBZ) in addition to a control treatment (water), applied during the pre-anthesis, anthesis, and post-anthesis stages. Traits related to flowering and seed production were evaluated. The results implicate that the application of plant growth regulators in the garlic crop modified the reproductive physiology of the plants, influencing the potential for flowering and seed production. The doses of PBZ (7,200 mg/L) and GA3 (18 mg/L), applied at pre-anthesis, increased the potential of botanical seed production. The results indicate that higher doses of the evaluated plant growth regulators can improve flowering and stimulate seed production in garlic.