A method for improving the single clove rate of garlic by low temperature treatment of garlic seeds

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of methods for improving the rate of single garlic by low temperature treatment of garlic seed, belong to garlic planting technical field, the method includes the following steps: S1. selecting seed;S2. low temperature drop potential treatment: 1) place seed;2) adjust temperature;3) adjust humidity;S3. sowing preparation: 1) garlic seed grading;2) soak seed dressing;3) site soil preparation;S4. sowing;S5. topdressing;S6. harvesting.The application is gradually cooled by low temperature treatment and gradually warmed before unloading, so that the garlic seed has enough adaptation time, wakes up function, ensures germination rate and seedling rate, reduces the occurrence of dead seedlings and non-germination.By low temperature drop potential treatment of garlic seed cold storage, the growth potential of garlic seedlings is weakened, and the assimilation capacity is decreased, thereby improving the occurrence rate of single garlic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of garlic cultivation technology, specifically to a method for low-temperature treatment of garlic seed to improve the rate of single-clove garlic. Background Technology

[0002] Garlic, belonging to the genus Allium in the family Liliaceae, has bulbs, leaves (green garlic or garlic sprouts), and flower stalks (garlic scapes) all edible as vegetables, with the cloves being an important seasoning. A typical garlic bulb consists of 6-10 cloves, but some garlic bulbs have only one clove; these are called single-clove garlic. The formation of single-clove garlic is complex, with insufficient accumulation of assimilated nutrients within the plant being the primary cause. Nutrient accumulation is closely related to cultivation techniques. Currently, aerial bulbils (natural garlic) are commonly used for planting, generally resulting in small single-clove garlic. Planting with excessively small cloves can also lead to single-clove garlic. Late autumn sowing can also produce single-clove garlic; a farming proverb says, "Plant garlic before the ninth day of the lunar month, or you'll get single-clove garlic," meaning that late planting increases the incidence of single-clove garlic. High planting density, insufficient sunlight, poor fertilizer and water conditions, and excessive nutrient consumption by the garlic seed all contribute to a higher rate of single-clove garlic.

[0003] Single-clove garlic is a type of deformed garlic in cultivation. In late-maturing cultivation in high-latitude regions, the general consensus is that single-clove garlic is undesirable, as it is believed that the absence of garlic scapes leads to no income and reduces yield. However, in the low-latitude regions of the Yunnan Plateau, through coordinated nutrient accumulation in the garlic plant, control of the proportion of single-clove garlic, and consideration of the ratio of single-clove to clove garlic and the size of single-clove garlic, coupled with an earlier market entry time, the market price is extremely high. Therefore, farmers also pursue the cultivation of single-clove garlic. Thus, exploring and inventing cultivation techniques and methods to increase the rate of single-clove garlic is of great significance for the development of Yunnan Plateau's distinctive agricultural products.

[0004] Because single-clove garlic is a single, whole bulb, it is easy to peel and eat. Single-clove garlic also contains higher levels of nutrients such as allicin and organic germanium than regular clove garlic, resulting in a more pronounced antibacterial effect. Furthermore, single-clove garlic has a stronger, spicier flavor and is more durable, making it more popular than multi-clove garlic. Therefore, providing a method to increase the yield of single-clove garlic has significant market potential. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, the present invention provides a method for low-temperature treatment of garlic seed to improve the single-clove garlic rate. This method solves the problem of long planting cycle of the existing aerial bulb planting method, and also overcomes the defects of the adverse environment method, such as small single-clove garlic, difficulty in meeting commercial grade requirements, high defect rate, inconvenient management due to intercropping, and low land utilization.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes the following technical solution:

[0007] A method for low-temperature treatment of garlic seed to improve the single-clove garlic yield includes the following steps:

[0008] S1. Seed selection: Select garlic varieties that are sensitive to low temperatures. Choose garlic cloves that are free from disease and insect damage, mold, and are plump with a weight of 0.7-3.5g. Winnow them clean and set aside for use.

[0009] S2. Low-temperature humidification treatment: Place the selected seed garlic in a cold storage for 50-70 days, controlling the cold storage temperature at 0-18℃ and the relative humidity at 70-80%. When the garlic is first placed in the cold storage, the humidity will be high. At this time, dehumidification and ventilation should be strengthened. Open the warehouse door and exhaust fan 2-3 times a day. During the middle of the cold storage treatment, i.e., the 20th to 40th day, the humidity is insufficient. Spray water in the corridor or place several basins of water to increase the air humidity. Do not spray directly on the seed garlic bags.

[0010] S3. Sowing preparation: Grade the seed garlic after the low temperature and humidity treatment and soak it in water for 1-2 hours. After taking it out, drain the water and disinfect the seed garlic while the surface of the seed garlic is still wet; prepare the land and make ridges;

[0011] The grading is based on the weight of the seed garlic after it leaves the warehouse: 2.6-3.5g is grade 1; 1.6-2.5g is grade 2; and 0.7-1.5g is grade 3. The planting density is controlled according to the grade during planting.

[0012] S4. Sowing: Use the Cold Dew solar term as the time node. Sow by spot sowing before the Cold Dew solar term and by row sowing after the Cold Dew solar term. After all the sowing is completed, water thoroughly once.

[0013] The sowing method is as follows: for first-grade garlic, the row and plant spacing is 8cm x 8cm; for second-grade garlic, the row and plant spacing is 7cm x 7cm; and for third-grade garlic, the row and plant spacing is 6cm x 6cm. The sowing depth is 4-6cm for all grades. After sowing, cover the seedbed with 1cm of fine soil. After the garlic is sown, cover the seedbed with straw or wormwood branches to keep it warm and moist.

[0014] The specific sowing method is as follows: for first-grade seeds, the row spacing is 9cm × 6cm and the sowing depth is 8-10cm; for second-grade seeds, the row spacing is 8cm × 5cm and the sowing depth is 5-8cm; for third-grade seeds, the row spacing is 6cm × 5cm and the sowing depth is 3-5cm.

[0015] S5. Topdressing: Apply the first topdressing when the garlic sprouts have grown to 3-5 leaves; apply the second topdressing when the garlic sprouts have grown to 8-9 leaves.

[0016] S6. Harvesting:

[0017] Harvesting single garlic cloves: From mid-to-late January to early March, use the intercropping method, prying up the single garlic cloves with a crowbar, and then cutting off the roots and pseudostems after harvesting.

[0018] Harvesting garlic scapes: Harvesting begins in late February with garlic scapes that have grown to a height of 10cm.

[0019] Harvesting garlic cloves: From late March to early April, garlic cloves are harvested.

[0020] Furthermore, in step S2, the specific method for controlling the cold storage temperature is as follows: after the seed garlic is put into storage, the temperature is lowered. On the first and second days, the cold storage temperature is adjusted to 5-10℃; on the third and fifth days, the cold storage temperature is adjusted to 5℃; after the sixth day, the cold storage temperature is adjusted to 0-4℃ and maintained at this temperature until two days before the seed garlic is removed from storage; two days before the seed garlic is removed from storage, the temperature is gradually increased, and the garlic can be removed from storage when the storage temperature reaches 18℃.

[0021] Further, in step S3, the disinfection specifically involves disinfecting the garlic seedlings with a 50% concentration of carbendazim wettable powder, wherein the amount of carbendazim mixed in is 0.3% of the garlic seedling mass.

[0022] Furthermore, in step S3, before preparing the land and making ridges, organic fertilizer and ternary compound fertilizer are applied to the cultivated land, and then ridges are made according to the following specifications: ridge width 1.5m, ditch width 30cm, and ditch depth 15cm.

[0023] Furthermore, the organic fertilizer application rate is 2000 kg / mu, and the ternary compound fertilizer (mass ratio, nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium = 15:15:15) application rate is 50 kg / mu.

[0024] Furthermore, in step S5, the first topdressing involves applying 8-10 kg / mu of urea and 5 kg / mu of potassium sulfate, applied with irrigation water. Alternatively, the fertilizer can be spread on the ridges before irrigation. The second topdressing involves applying 15 kg / mu of potassium sulfate, also applied with irrigation water. Single-clove garlic gradually matures in mid-to-late January and is ready for harvest.

[0025] Furthermore, in step S6, the garlic scapes need to be irrigated once after harvesting before harvesting the garlic cloves.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] This invention weakens the growth vigor of garlic plants through low-temperature (cold storage) treatment and corresponding cultivation management techniques, reducing the accumulation of assimilated substances within the plant. This prevents the plant from completing flower bud-scale differentiation, resulting in single-clove garlic where only the main bud swells to form a single clove, thus increasing the single-clove rate in garlic cultivation. High-density planting improves land utilization and also increases income from garlic scapes while cultivating single-clove garlic. Furthermore, single-clove garlic, as a specialty agricultural product with an early maturity, is highly sought after in the market and commands a very high price, further increasing profits.

[0028] This invention utilizes a gradual cooling process during low-temperature treatment and a gradual warming process before storage, allowing garlic seeds sufficient time to adapt and awaken their functions, ensuring high germination and seedling survival rates while reducing seedling death and failure to germinate. Cold storage facilities are readily available in various locations, thus reducing storage costs. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. This detailed description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention, but rather as a more detailed description of certain aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] It should be understood that the terminology used in this invention is merely for describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, with respect to numerical ranges in this invention, it should be understood that each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range is also specifically disclosed. Every smaller range between any stated value or intermediate value within a stated range, and any other stated value or intermediate value within said range, is also included in this invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included or excluded from the range.

[0031] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. While only preferred methods and materials have been described herein, any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the implementation or testing of this invention. All references to this specification are incorporated by way of citation to disclose and describe methods and / or materials associated with those references. In the event of any conflict with any incorporated reference, the content of this specification shall prevail.

[0032] Various modifications and variations can be made to the specific embodiments described in this specification without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments derived from this specification will also be obvious to those skilled in the art. This application specification and embodiments are merely exemplary.

[0033] The terms “include,” “including,” “have,” “contain,” etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning that they include but are not limited to.

[0034] A method for low-temperature treatment of garlic seed to improve the single-clove garlic yield includes the following steps:

[0035] S1. Seed selection: Select low-temperature sensitive garlic varieties (such as "Red Seven Stars"). Select garlic cloves that are free from disease and pest damage, mold, and are plump, weighing 0.7-3.5g. Such garlic has less nutrient reserves, and the garlic sprouts will have insufficient nutrient accumulation to differentiate flower buds and bulb buds, resulting in single-clove garlic that does not separate into cloves. Garlic cloves that are too large will result in plants with strong growth and are less likely to form single-clove garlic. Winnow and set aside.

[0036] S2. Low-temperature treatment: Place the selected seed garlic in a cold storage for 50-70 days to break the dormancy of the garlic cloves, which is beneficial for garlic sprouting. At the same time, the seed garlic will sprout prematurely in the cold storage, consuming some nutrients and weakening the plant's growth. Pack the selected seed garlic in mesh bags, each bag not exceeding 20kg, place them on storage racks, and then push them into the cold storage. The storage racks should be spaced 30-45 cm apart to facilitate air circulation and heat dissipation.

[0037] Temperature control is achieved through the following method: the initial temperature of the cold storage is around 18℃. After the garlic is placed in the cold storage, the temperature is gradually lowered. On the first two days, the temperature is adjusted to 5-10℃; on the third to fifth days, the temperature is adjusted to 5℃; after the sixth day, the temperature is adjusted to 0-4℃ and maintained at this temperature until two days before the garlic is removed from the cold storage. Two days before the garlic is removed from the cold storage, the temperature is gradually increased until it reaches 18℃. Garlic treated in this way will begin to sprout before sowing, with increased respiration, which consumes some of the plant's nutrients, resulting in a decreased vigor in the plant. Such garlic will have a shorter growth period after emergence, insufficient nutrient accumulation, and will be unable to differentiate into flower buds and bulbils, ultimately resulting in single-clove garlic.

[0038] To control humidity, the specific methods are as follows: When the garlic is first stored, the humidity will be high. At this time, ventilation should be strengthened, and the warehouse door and exhaust fan should be opened 2-3 times a day. During the middle stage of cold storage treatment, i.e., the 20th to 40th day, the humidity is insufficient. Spraying water in the corridor or placing several basins of water should be done to increase the air humidity. Do not spray directly on the garlic bags. Maintain the relative humidity of the cold storage at 70-80%, which is beneficial to control the germination speed of the garlic. Low air humidity is not conducive to the physiological activities of garlic. Increasing the relative air humidity is beneficial to the germination and sprouting of garlic.

[0039] There is a large difference between dry and wet garlic seed. Under normal circumstances, the standard moisture content of garlic cloves is about 67%. If the moisture content of the garlic seed exceeds 70% when it is put into storage, the frequency of dehumidification in the storage room needs to be increased. Otherwise, it is easy for the garlic seed to sprout too quickly and the root system to sprout prematurely.

[0040] S3. Sowing preparation: Grade the seed garlic after the low temperature and humidity treatment and soak it in water for 1-2 hours. After taking it out, drain the water and disinfect the seed garlic while the surface of the seed garlic is still wet; prepare the land and make ridges;

[0041] The grading is based on the weight of the seed garlic after it leaves the warehouse: 2.6-3.5g is grade 1; 1.6-2.5g is grade 2; and 0.7-1.5g is grade 3. Sowing density is controlled according to grade. This grading process helps control planting density based on the amount of nutrients in the seed garlic, providing reasonable plant space. It also facilitates competition for space and nutrients among individual plants, promotes the formation of single-clove garlic, and balances the proportion of single-clove garlic with planting efficiency.

[0042] The disinfection process specifically involves disinfecting the garlic seedlings with a 50% concentration of carbendazim wettable powder, with the amount of carbendazim mixed in being 0.3% of the garlic seedling mass.

[0043] The land preparation and ridge making process involves selecting sandy loam or loam soil with convenient irrigation and drainage. Land preparation should be done before the Cold Dew solar term. Before ridge making, apply organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer to the cultivated land. Then, ridges should be made with a ridge width of 1.5m, a ditch width of 30cm, and a ditch depth of 15cm. The ridge making process should be adapted to local conditions; for fields with strong water retention capacity, the ridges should be appropriately narrower, while for fields prone to drought, they can be appropriately wider.

[0044] S4. Sowing: Postponing the sowing period to the Cold Dew solar term shortens the garlic's growing period in the field, controls plant growth, and increases the incidence of single-clove garlic. Increasing the soil covering depth after sowing requires some nutrients for plant emergence, thus controlling vegetative growth and promoting single-clove garlic formation. Using the Cold Dew solar term as a time point, use spot sowing before the Cold Dew solar term and row sowing after the Cold Dew solar term. After all sowing is completed, water thoroughly once.

[0045] The sowing method is as follows: for first-grade garlic, the row and plant spacing is 8cm x 8cm; for second-grade garlic, the row and plant spacing is 7cm x 7cm; and for third-grade garlic, the row and plant spacing is 6cm x 6cm. The sowing depth is 4-6cm for all grades. After sowing, cover the seedbed with 1cm of fine soil. After the garlic is sown, cover the seedbed with straw or wormwood branches to keep it warm and moist.

[0046] The specific sowing method is as follows: For first-grade seeds, sow at a row spacing of 9cm x 6cm and a sowing depth of 8-10cm; for second-grade seeds, sow at a row spacing of 8cm x 5cm and a sowing depth of 5-8cm; for third-grade seeds, sow at a row spacing of 6cm x 5cm and a sowing depth of 3-5cm. The specific sowing method is as follows: On the prepared seedbed, dig a 50cm wide flat-bottomed sowing trench from one end. The trench depth depends on the sowing depth. Apply a layer of organic fertilizer in the trench, then backfill with a 2cm thick layer of soil. Place the garlic cloves on the soil layer according to the row and plant spacing, with the roots facing down. Then dig another sowing trench, covering the previous trench with the removed soil, and cover the garlic cloves. Repeat this process until the entire seedbed is sown. After sowing, cover the seedbed with straw or wormwood branches to retain warmth and moisture. Water thoroughly once after all seeds have been sown.

[0047] S5. Topdressing: Apply the first topdressing when the garlic sprouts have grown to 3-5 leaves; apply the second topdressing when the garlic sprouts have grown to 8-9 leaves.

[0048] S6. Harvesting:

[0049] Harvesting single garlic bulbs: From mid to late January to early March, when the plants in the garlic field are weak, with thin pseudostems and narrow leaves, and the leaves are gradually turning yellow, it indicates that the single garlic bulbs have fully expanded. Use the intermittent harvesting method, pry up the single garlic bulbs with a crowbar, and cut off the roots and pseudostems after harvesting.

[0050] Harvesting garlic scapes: Starting in late February, harvest the remaining parts of the single garlic cloves in the garlic field. The garlic scapes that are growing vigorously will gradually sprout scapes. Harvest the scapes that have sprouted up to 10cm in height using the scape-cutting method.

[0051] Harvesting garlic cloves: After harvesting the scapes, irrigate again to promote the expansion of the garlic bulbs. From late March to early April, the garlic leaves turn yellow and the pseudostems soften, indicating that the garlic cloves are mature and can be harvested.

[0052] In some preferred embodiments, in step S3, the amount of organic fertilizer added is 2000 kg / mu, and the amount of ternary compound fertilizer added is 50 kg / mu. The organic fertilizer is well-rotted organic fertilizer, and the ternary compound fertilizer is a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a mass ratio of 20:20:20.

[0053] In some preferred embodiments, in step S5, the first topdressing is applied when the plant is in the "mother-removal" stage, which is a critical period for topdressing. Apply 8-10 kg / mu of urea and 5 kg / mu of potassium sulfate, irrigated with water, or first spread on the seedbed before irrigation. The second topdressing involves applying 15 kg / mu of potassium sulfate, also irrigated with water. The single-clove garlic gradually matures in mid-to-late January and is harvested at the appropriate time. The first topdressing uses more nitrogen fertilizer, while the second topdressing avoids nitrogen fertilizer. This is because nitrogen fertilizer promotes seedling growth, leaf differentiation, and accelerates plant growth during the seedling stage, while the later application of potassium sulfate promotes the enlargement of the single-clove garlic bulb.

[0054] In some preferred embodiments, in step S6, the garlic scapes are irrigated once after harvesting before the garlic cloves are harvested.

[0055] Example 1

[0056] A method for low-temperature treatment of garlic seed to improve the single-clove garlic yield includes the following steps:

[0057] S1. Seed selection: Select low-temperature sensitive garlic varieties ("Red Seven Stars"). Select garlic cloves that are free from disease and insect damage, mold, and are plump with a weight of 0.7-3.5g. Remove soil, detached membranous scales and other impurities before use.

[0058] S2. Low-temperature descent treatment: Selected garlic cloves (moisture content 67%) are placed in a cold storage for 70 days, specifically as follows:

[0059] 1) Seed placement: Pack the selected garlic cloves in mesh bags, 20kg per bag, place them on storage racks, and then push them into the cold storage. The storage racks should be spaced 30-45cm apart.

[0060] 2) Temperature control: The initial temperature of the cold storage is about 18℃. After the garlic is put into storage, the temperature will be lowered. On the first 1-2 days, the cold storage temperature will be adjusted to 10℃; on the 3rd-5th days, the cold storage temperature will be adjusted to 5℃; after the 6th day, the cold storage temperature will be adjusted to 2℃ and maintained at this temperature until 2 days before the garlic is taken out of storage. Two days before the garlic is taken out of storage, the temperature will be gradually increased until the temperature reaches 18℃.

[0061] 3) Control humidity: When the cold storage is first put into storage, the humidity will rise. At this time, the dehumidification and ventilation should be strengthened. Open the warehouse door and exhaust fan 2-3 times a day. During the middle stage of cold storage treatment, i.e., the 20th to 40th day, the humidity is insufficient. Spray water in the corridor or place several basins of water to increase the air humidity and keep the relative humidity of the air in the cold storage at 80%.

[0062] S3. Sowing preparation:

[0063] 1) Cultivated garlic grading: Cultivated garlic is graded according to its weight after leaving the warehouse, i.e., 2.6-3.5g is grade 1; 1.6-2.5g is grade 2; and 0.7-1.5g is grade 3.

[0064] 2) Soaking and dressing the seeds: Soak the graded seed garlic in cold water for 1.5 hours and drain. While the surface of the seed garlic is still wet, disinfect the seed garlic with 50% carbendazim wettable powder. The amount of carbendazim added should be 0.3% of the weight of the seed garlic.

[0065] 3) Site selection and preparation: Select sandy loam or loam soil with convenient irrigation and drainage. Prepare the land before the Cold Dew solar term. Apply organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer (mass ratio, nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium = 20:20:20) to the cultivated land. The amount of organic fertilizer added is 2000 kg / mu and the amount of compound fertilizer added is 50 kg / mu. Then make beds with a bed width of 1.5m, a ditch width of 30cm and a ditch depth of 15cm.

[0066] S4. Sowing: The time frame is set at the Cold Dew solar term, and no later than the Beginning of Winter. The specific method is as follows:

[0067] 1) Sow the seeds before the Cold Dew solar term using the spot sowing method. For first-grade seeds, the row and plant spacing should be 8cm×8cm; for second-grade seeds, the row and plant spacing should be 7cm×7cm; and for third-grade seeds, the row and plant spacing should be 6cm×6cm. The sowing depth should be 5cm. After sowing, cover the seedbed with 1cm of fine soil. After the garlic is sown, cover the seedbed with straw or wormwood branches to keep it warm and moist.

[0068] 2) After the Cold Dew solar term, sow using the row sowing method. For first-grade seeds, sow at a row spacing of 9cm x 6cm and a sowing depth of 10cm; for second-grade seeds, sow at a row spacing of 8cm x 5cm and a sowing depth of 8cm; for third-grade seeds, sow at a row spacing of 6cm x 5cm and a sowing depth of 5cm. The specific sowing method is as follows: On the prepared seedbed, dig a 50cm wide flat-bottomed sowing trench from one end. The trench depth depends on the sowing depth. Apply a layer of organic fertilizer in the trench, then backfill with a 2cm thick layer of soil. Place the garlic cloves on the soil layer according to the row and plant spacing, with the roots of the cloves facing down. Then dig another sowing trench, covering the previous trench with the removed soil to cover the garlic cloves. Repeat this process until the entire seedbed is sown. After sowing, cover the seedbed with straw or wormwood branches to retain warmth and moisture. After all seeds are sown, water thoroughly once.

[0069] S5. Topdressing: When the garlic sprouts have grown to 4 leaves, apply the first topdressing with 10 kg / mu of nitrogen fertilizer and 5 kg / mu of potassium sulfate, and apply it with water. When the garlic sprouts have grown to 8 leaves, apply the second topdressing with 15 kg / mu of potassium sulfate, and apply it with water.

[0070] S6. Harvesting:

[0071] Harvesting single-clove garlic: From mid-to-late January to early March, in garlic fields, plants that are weak, with thin pseudostems and narrow leaves, and whose leaves are gradually turning yellow, indicate that the single-clove garlic bulbs have fully expanded. The thinning harvesting method is used, where the single-clove garlic is pried up with a crowbar. After harvesting, the roots and pseudostems are cut off. The overall proportion of single-clove garlic is 56.7%, and the proportion of clove garlic is 43.3%. The proportion of single-clove garlic with a diameter greater than 3.5cm is 71.9%; the proportion of single-clove garlic with a diameter between 1.6-3.5cm is 23.4%; and the proportion of single-clove garlic with a diameter less than 1.6cm is 4.7%.

[0072] Harvesting garlic scapes: Starting in late February, harvest the remaining parts of the single garlic cloves in the garlic field. The garlic scapes that are growing vigorously will gradually sprout scapes. Harvest the scapes that have sprouted up to 10cm in height using the scape-cutting method.

[0073] Harvesting garlic cloves: After harvesting the scapes, irrigate again to promote the expansion of the garlic bulbs. From late March to early April, the garlic leaves turn yellow and the pseudostems soften, indicating that the garlic cloves are mature and can be harvested.

[0074] Comparative Example 1

[0075] Similar to Example 1, except that step S2 is omitted. The selected "Red Seven Star" seed garlic (67% moisture content) from step S1 is bagged and stored at a constant temperature of 18°C ​​for 70 days. It is then planted in the same field simultaneously with the seed garlic treated with low temperature reduction in step S2. Cultivation is carried out using the same management method, and the single-garlic rate is counted at harvest time.

[0076] The single-clove garlic rate treated by this method was 8.3%; while the single-clove garlic rate after step S2 treatment (Example 1) was 56.7%.

[0077] Comparative Example 2

[0078] Same as Example 1, except that no grading treatment is performed, and all seeds are sown using the spot sowing method. The specific differences are as follows:

[0079] Without graded planting, the single-clove garlic rate was 34%. Grade 1 single-clove garlic had a rate of 2.3% (diameter > 3.5cm); Grade 2 had a rate of 7.8% (1.6cm < diameter < 3.5cm); and Grade 3 had a rate of 23.9% (diameter < 1.6cm). However, after graded planting, with appropriate water and fertilizer control in Grade 1 (clove weight 2.6-3.5g) and Grade 2 (1.6-2.5g) planting areas, the single-clove garlic rate reached 36%; in Grade 2, it reached 58%; and in Grade 3 (0.7-1.5g) planting areas, with appropriate increased water and fertilizer supply, the single-clove garlic rate reached 89%.

[0080] Comparative Example 3

[0081] Similar to Example 1, the difference is that the garlic is not subjected to low-temperature depotential treatment, but is cultivated under adverse environmental conditions (poor soil, lack of water and fertilizer). The specific differences are as follows:

[0082] When Red Seven Star garlic seeds were grown under adverse conditions without undergoing low-temperature descent treatment, the proportion of single-clove garlic was 85%, with 5.3% having a diameter greater than 3.5 cm; 35.7% having a diameter between 1.6 cm and 3.4 cm; and 59% having a diameter less than 1.7 cm. This indicates that while cultivation under adverse conditions can increase the incidence of single-clove garlic, the resulting garlic cloves are small, of poor quality, and have lower marketability.

[0083] Comparative Example 4

[0084] Similar to Example 1, the difference lies in the use of intercropping. Both methods involve planting garlic that has undergone low-temperature de-potential treatment, but coriander is sown in the gaps between the garlic plants during planting. The specific differences are as follows:

[0085] Comparative Example 4 reduced the garlic planting density, decreasing the seed quantity by 30% compared to Example 1. After garlic planting, 0.3 kg / mu of coriander seeds were broadcast onto the seedbed. In late October, the coriander was removed to free up space for garlic growth. Because the coriander competed for space and water / fertilizer in the early stages of garlic seedling growth, garlic growth was somewhat affected, weakening plant vigor and increasing the proportion of single-clove garlic. The experimental results showed that the proportion of single-clove garlic was 65%. However, the yield of single-clove garlic decreased by 35% compared to Example 1, and the labor required for removing coriander increased by 7 days / mu. The economic benefits from selling the coriander were far lower than the value of the single-clove garlic yield in Example 1.

[0086] Comparative Example 5

[0087] Same as Example 1, except that aerial bulbils are used for sowing. Specifically, the differences are:

[0088] Using aerial bulbs for sowing results in very weak plant growth due to the small size of the aerial bulbils. Although the proportion of single-clove garlic produced is as high as 98%, 97% of the single-clove garlic produced is less than 1.3cm in diameter, resulting in extremely low marketability, low selling price, and poor economic benefits.

[0089] Experimental Example 1

[0090] 1. Experimental Design: The garlic variety "Hong Qixing" was used as the test material. At the time of harvest, carefully selected garlic bulbs that had already bolted were bundled with leaves and hung in a well-ventilated, shady place to air-dry for 30 days. A second selection was then made, choosing garlic bulbs free from disease, insect damage, mold, and with plump cloves. These were then separated into cloves, and large cloves weighing over 3.6g and extremely small cloves weighing less than 0.6g were removed. The target clove weight was between 0.7-3.5g. Soil, detached membranous scales, and other impurities were removed before use. A total of 100kg of selected garlic cloves was randomly divided into 5 portions of 20kg each, placed in nylon mesh bags, and labeled A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5. The experimental design consisted of 5 treatments. A1 was stored at a dry room temperature (18°C) for 70 days (A1 group served as the control); A2 was treated with S2 low temperature and depotential for 90 days before sowing; A3 was treated with S2 low temperature and depotential for 70 days before sowing; A4 was treated with S2 low temperature and depotential for 50 days before sowing; A5 was treated with S2 low temperature and depotential for 30 days before sowing (for detailed treatment of garlic seeds in each group, please refer to the treatment method in Example 1).

[0091] 2. Experimental Method: The five treatments A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 were tested using a randomized block design. Each treatment was replicated three times, with 2 m² of seed per plot. 2 A total of 222 seedlings were planted, and water and fertilizer management was carried out according to traditional garlic field management methods. Emergence rates were surveyed and recorded on days 7, 10, and 15 after sowing. On day 150 after sowing, when the garlic bulbs matured, yields were measured by plot, and the percentage of single-clove garlic, yield of single-clove garlic, yield of garlic scapes, and yield of single-clove garlic in each plot were recorded. The yield value per acre was calculated based on the market price at the time.

[0092] 3. Experimental Data Analysis:

[0093] Following the experimental methods and procedures described above, relevant data for each plot were collected, and the average value for each treatment was calculated. 150 days after sowing, the aforementioned relevant data for each plot were measured. Due to factors such as the size and uniformity of single-clove garlic, and the prices of garlic scapes and cloves in each treatment, the yield per mu (unit of land area) was calculated based on the prevailing market price (see Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4).

[0094] Table 1. Statistics on garlic sprouting in each community

[0095]

[0096] Table 2. Single garlic yield, garlic scape yield, and clove yield for each treatment.

[0097]

[0098] Table 3 shows the size distribution of single-clove garlic produced by each treatment.

[0099]

[0100]

[0101] Table 4. Yield and equivalent total yield per mu for single-clove garlic, garlic scape, and garlic cloves under each treatment.

[0102]

[0103] 4. Experimental Conclusion:

[0104] 1) Low-temperature treatment of garlic seed also awakens dormant garlic seed. Table 1 shows that after 50-90 days of low-temperature treatment, the emergence rate reached approximately 96% 10 days after sowing, and after 30 days of low-temperature treatment, the emergence rate reached 88% 10 days after sowing. In contrast, A1 (CK) garlic seed that did not undergo low-temperature treatment only had a 27.8% emergence rate 10 days after sowing. The 15-day result still did not exceed 80%. This indicates that the method provided by this invention is effective in awakening dormancy in garlic seed and promoting timely emergence.

[0105] 2) As the S2 low-temperature descent treatment time increased, the rate of single-clove garlic occurrence gradually increased. The single-clove garlic occurrence rate was as high as 88.4% after A2 (90 days) treatment; 56.7% after A3 (70 days); 45.5% after A4 (50 days); and 34.2% after A5 (30 days); while the single-clove garlic occurrence rate was only 8.3% after A1 (CK). As shown in Table 2, this indicates that the method provided by this invention has a significant promoting effect on increasing the single-clove garlic occurrence rate. Controlling the low-temperature descent treatment time for seed garlic can regulate the probability of single-clove garlic occurrence. Conversely, the yield of garlic cloves and garlic scapes was negatively correlated with the S2 low-temperature descent treatment.

[0106] 3) The larger the diameter of the single-clove garlic, the higher the commodity quality and price. As shown in Table 3, the A2 treatment time (90 days) is the longest, and although the single-clove garlic rate is the highest (88.4%), there are more second- and third-grade single-clove garlic, which are not valuable. The best result of the experiment is that the S2 treatment is suitable for 70 days (A3), which can ensure the highest yield of first-grade single-clove garlic.

[0107] 4) In terms of output value, treatments A3 and A4 yielded nearly 22 yuan / 2㎡ (plot) for single-clove garlic, which is almost 9.7 times higher than the A1(ck) control treatment and more than double that of A5. The output value of garlic scapes and garlic cloves showed the opposite trend. However, based on the comprehensive output value analysis, the method provided by this invention has the optimal treatment time of 70 days, resulting in the highest comprehensive output value, increasing income by 37.2% compared to the control.

[0108] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for low-temperature treatment of garlic seed to improve the single-clove garlic yield, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Seed selection: Select garlic varieties that are sensitive to low temperatures. Choose garlic cloves that are free from disease and insect damage, mold, and are plump with a weight of 0.7-3.5g. Winnow them clean and set aside for use. S2. Low-temperature cooling treatment: Place the selected seed garlic in a cold storage for 50-70 days, controlling the cold storage temperature at 0-18℃ and the relative humidity at 70-80%. The specific method for controlling the cold storage temperature is as follows: after entering the cold storage, begin cooling. On the first 1-2 days, adjust the cold storage temperature to 5-10℃; on the 3rd-5th days, adjust the cold storage temperature to 5℃; after the 6th day, adjust the cold storage temperature to 0-4℃ and maintain this temperature until 2 days before the seed garlic is removed from the cold storage. Two days before the seed garlic is removed from the cold storage, gradually increase the temperature until the storage temperature reaches 18℃. S3. Sowing preparation: The seed garlic treated with low temperature and humidity is graded and soaked in water. The seed garlic is then disinfected after being taken out. The land is prepared and ridges are made. The disinfection is specifically carried out by disinfecting the seed garlic with a concentration of 50% carbendazim wettable powder, with the amount of carbendazim mixed in being 0.3% of the weight of the seed garlic. S4. Sowing: Using the Cold Dew solar term as the time node, sow by spot sowing before the Cold Dew solar term and by row sowing after the Cold Dew solar term; S5. Topdressing: Apply the first topdressing when the garlic sprouts have grown to 3-5 leaves; apply the second topdressing when the garlic sprouts have grown to 8-9 leaves. For the first topdressing, apply 8-10 kg / mu of nitrogen fertilizer and 5 kg / mu of potassium fertilizer; for the second topdressing, apply 15 kg / mu of potassium fertilizer. S6. Harvesting: Harvesting single-clove garlic: From mid-to-late January to early March, the thinning method is used; Harvesting garlic scapes: Harvesting begins in late February with garlic scapes that have grown to a height of 10cm. Harvesting garlic cloves: From late March to early April, garlic cloves are harvested.

2. The method for low-temperature treatment of garlic seed to improve the single-clove garlic rate according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, before preparing the land and making ridges, apply organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer to the cultivated land, and then make ridges with a ridge width of 1.5m, a ditch width of 30cm, and a ditch depth of 15cm.

3. The method for low-temperature treatment of garlic seed to improve the single-clove garlic rate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The organic fertilizer application rate is 2000 kg / mu, and the ternary compound fertilizer application rate is 50 kg / mu.

4. The method for low-temperature treatment of garlic seed to improve the single-clove garlic rate according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S6, the garlic scapes need to be irrigated once after harvesting before harvesting the garlic cloves.

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