Morphological Changes in Garlic (Allium sativum L.): Microbulblets during Dormancy and Sprouting as Related to Peroxidase Activity and Gibberellin A3 Content

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the physiological mechanisms of dormancy and sprouting during post-harvest of garlic (Allium sativum L.) microbulblets produced by meristem culture of garlic seed cloves. The morphological chnges occurring in garlic microbulblets were assessed from harvest till sprouting in relation with peroxidase activity and levels of gibberellins. Also the effect of a cold treatment (30 days at 4° C given 30days after harvest was studies. At the end of dormancy the sprouting channerl was formed, vascular differentiation established, and peak of soluble peroxidase activity as well as of GA3, were observed. At day 90 post-harveest, garlic microbulblets showed physiologically mature and able to sprout. Further on, bud expansion and decrease of GA3, characterized sprouting of the microbulblets. The cold treatment enhanced GA3, levels and anticipated the sprouting process.