Qualidade e produtividade de alho-semente em função dos pontos de colheita e métodos de secagem

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a crop of high economic importance that is vegetatively propagated; thus, its productivity and commercial quality depend directly on the quality of the seed garlic used. Determining the harvest stage and post-harvest management, particularly bulb drying methods, are key factors for maintaining the physiological and structural quality of propagative material and the productive performance of the subsequent generation. However, information regarding the interaction between these factors remains limited under Brazilian Cerrado growing conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of different harvest stages and drying methods on the productivity and quality of seed garlic (cv. Ito). The experiment was conducted in Rio Paranaíba, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using a randomized block design arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme with five replications. Treatments consisted of three harvest stages (early, normal, and late) combined with two drying methods (natural curing by hanging and artificial drying). Biometric evaluations were performed at 50, 89, 110, and 134 days after planting, in addition to bulb classification based on diameter, skin integrity, and estimated yield. Harvest stage was the main factor associated with seed garlic performance, influencing dry matter accumulation, bulb physical integrity, and the distribution of commercial classes. Harvesting at normal and late stages increased the proportion of higher commercial classes (>6), which have greater economic value, and resulted in a higher proportion of closed bulbs, whereas early harvesting restricted bulb filling and increased the occurrence of open bulbs. The drying method showed a complementary effect, acting predominantly on bulb physical attributes and the maintenance of the structural quality of planting material. Artificial drying was more efficient for materials harvested early, reducing structural losses, while natural curing by hanging showed equivalent performance when associated with the normal harvest stage.