We evaluated the influence of nitrogen rates and application time on garlic (Allium sativum L.) yield and marketable traits. The experiment was carried out from April to October 1991, in Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in a randomized complete blocks design in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme, with three replications. The first factor studied was nitrogen rates (40; 60; 80; 100 and 120 kg/ha) and the second one was application time (30; 50 and 70 days after planting date (dap)). N rates and application time had a linear and independent effect over total garlic yield. Commercial yield decreased as N rates increased and the application of 40 N kg/ha presented the highest commercial bulbs at 30 dap (5,076 kg/ha), 50 dap (5,502 kg/ha), and 70 dap (4,086 kg/ha). Latest application resulted in the lowest commercial yield. Secondary growth bulbs increased linearly from 30.6; 34.9, and 42,0% for 40 N kg/ha to 65.2; 68.8, and 64.8% for 120 N kg/ha, respectively, at 30; 50, and 70 dap. A linear effect on average weight of bulbs occurred due to N rates and application time of fertilizer, and the number of cloves increased with N increasing.
Allium sativum L.; yield; secondary growth bulbs; average bulb weight; number of cloves per bulb.
