Micropropagation and mycorrhization of Allium sativum.

Garlic mother-plants of different clones were obtained by micropropagation from bulbils. Two different bulb enlargement media, and inoculation in vitro and at transplant ex vitro with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were tested in order to improve bulb growth rate of the plantlets and reduce the period required before planting in the field. One of the bulb enlargement media improved plant and bulb growth. In vitro inoculation was not successful. Inoculation at transplant ex vitro was performed in three commercial. fertilized peat-based substrates. Inoculated plants were about 15 % mycorrhizal after 47 days growth. Inoculation enhanced mother-plant growth and bulb size in all substrates, irrespective of the genotype.