Effects of garlic genotype on cloves formation under in vitro conditions

Prior to the transfer of multiplicated garlic plants from in vitro to ex vitro conditions it is necessary to induce the formation of bulbs and to verify the identity of propagated young individuals with their maternal plant. This study deals with effects of exogenous compounds (i.e. paclobutrazol, abscisic acid and ethylene) on formation of bulbs of four garlic cultivars (Lan, Lukan, Emilie, Japo) and on production of ethylene and carbon dioxide (CO2). In the softneck garlic cv. Emilie, the exogenous application of paclobutrazol increased numbers of daughter cloves and production of both ethylene and CO2. In the softneck cv. Lukan the formation of cloves was higher after the application of ABA than after the application of paclobutrazol (PP 333). An exogenous application of ethylene inhibited the formation of bulbs. Analyses of DNA polymorphism, performed by means of microsatellite markers, verified the identity of bulbs produced under in vitro conditions with their mother plants. The hardneck cv. Lan differed form softneck cvs Lukan, Emilie and Japo.