MINERAL PHOSPHATES, MYCORRHIZAE AND PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA IN RELATION TO GARLIC PLANT BEHAVIOR

The effects of mineral phosphates, at rates of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% from the recommended superphosphate dose, mycorrhiza and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (phosphateine) on garlic behavior were studied during two successive growing seasons.
Plant height, fifth leaf length and width, bulb diameter, bulb, leaves, false stems, roots fresh weight, neck length and diameter and bulbing ratio positively responded to 50, 75 and 100% from the recommended P-dose, as 100% proved to be the best. Mycorrhizae and phosphateine showed similar positive effect.
Mineral phosphates, mycorrhizae and phosphateine increased P and K content in plant leaves. IAA, GA3, and Cytokinins also responded positively to the above mentioned treatments.
All studied treatments augmented bulbs yield, oil percentage in bulbs and reduced weight loss and emaciation percentage during storage.
The interaction between mineral phosphates on one side and mycorrhizae and phosphateine on the other side was studied.