A cultivation method for producing single-headed garlic

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of horticultural crop cultivation, and discloses a cultivation method for producing single-head garlic, which comprises the following steps: selecting Linying small garlic cloves as production garlic seeds, and performing suitable low-temperature treatment on the production garlic seeds; applying compound fertilizer to planting soil as base fertilizer, raising ridges and digging furrows, sowing the low-temperature treated garlic seeds in the furrows without the need for righting, then covering the soil and pouring water; performing stage-by-stage watering according to the water content of the planting soil; during the scale bud differentiation period and the scale bulb swelling period, spraying compound fertilizer on the surface of the planting soil and watering, and then stopping water and fertilizer management; observing the false stem thickness and the bolting condition of the garlic plants in the mature period, determining the plants without garlic sprouts as single-head garlic, and harvesting the single-head garlic. Through the suitable low-temperature treatment on the production garlic seeds of Linying small garlic, the sowing process is simplified by using the sowing operation mode, and the harvesting determination standard without digging is established, so that the process is simple, and the formation proportion and the production efficiency of the single-head garlic are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of horticultural crop cultivation technology, specifically a cultivation method for producing single-clove garlic. Background Technology

[0002] Single-clove garlic is a special form of garlic. Due to its pungent flavor and nutritional components, and as a high-quality raw material for processed black garlic, single-clove garlic is widely popular in the consumer market and has a higher market value than clove garlic.

[0003] In the actual production of single-clove garlic, planting operations generally rely on manual labor. Traditional planting methods require each garlic clove to be straightened individually, ensuring that the root plate faces downwards and the apical bud faces upwards. The manual straightening of garlic cloves limits the planting speed and increases the labor input significantly, becoming a bottleneck restricting the large-scale and efficient production of single-clove garlic.

[0004] From a biological perspective, the formation of single-clove garlic is a physiological response of the garlic plant under specific growth conditions. Current garlic cultivation and management techniques are still inadequate in terms of systematically regulating the growth and development of garlic plants, effectively inhibiting clove differentiation, and thus increasing the proportion of single-clove garlic. This technological inadequacy leads to an unstable yield of single-clove garlic, making the final yield difficult to predict and impacting growers' expected economic returns.

[0005] Furthermore, since the bulb of garlic grows underground, it is difficult to directly determine whether the underground garlic bulb is a single bulb by observing the above-ground parts of the plant. To confirm the formation of single-bulb garlic, current harvesting operations often require random digging and sampling. This digging and sampling method damages some garlic products, reducing the marketable yield, and in the case of large-scale planting, this method is inefficient and cannot meet the requirements of rapid harvesting. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a cultivation method for producing single-clove garlic, which solves the problems of low efficiency caused by relying on manual straightening of garlic seedlings during the cultivation process, and the problems of morphological differentiation and uneven yield of single-clove garlic due to inaccurate water and fertilizer management.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: This invention provides a cultivation method for producing single-clove garlic, comprising the following steps: Garlic cloves from Lin'ying small garlic were selected as seed garlic for production; The garlic seeds used in production are placed in a low-temperature cold storage for treatment to obtain low-temperature treated garlic seeds; The compound fertilizer for planting is applied to the planting soil as base fertilizer. The planting soil is ridged and planting furrows are dug on the ridges. The low-temperature treated garlic seeds are sown in the planting furrows without being straightened. Then, the soil is covered, pendimethalin emulsifiable concentrate is sprayed on the surface of the planting soil and watered thoroughly to complete the sowing operation. Watering will be carried out in stages according to the process of the soil moisture content decreasing from a first preset moisture content to a second preset moisture content; During the garlic's bulb differentiation and bulb enlargement stages, apply the compound fertilizer for planting to the soil surface and flood the soil with water. Then stop water and fertilizer management to promote the garlic plants to enter the maturity stage. Observe the thickness of the pseudostem and the bolting of the mature garlic plants. Garlic plants without bolting are identified as target single-clove garlic and harvested without being dug up.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solutions, this method establishes a complete technical system from seed source selection and physiological induction to field management. By selecting garlic cloves of specific sizes from Lin'ying small garlic as production seeds, and utilizing the physiological characteristics of this local variety combined with its smaller clove size, the nutrient reserves of the garlic seeds are controlled from the source, laying a biological foundation for subsequently increasing the proportion of single-clove garlic.

[0009] The core low-temperature treatment step involves subjecting garlic cloves to prolonged low-temperature treatment. This process breaks the dormancy of the garlic cloves and, combined with water regulation during the later stages of cultivation, inhibits the germination and differentiation of lateral buds in the garlic cloves, concentrating the plant's growth advantage on the main bud at the top. This is a key physiological regulation step in the formation of single-clove garlic.

[0010] Sowing is done by broadcasting without straightening the garlic cloves, which overturns the traditional precision sowing method that requires straightening the cloves. This simplifies the sowing process and reduces labor and time costs. Subsequent water and fertilizer management ensures that the plants receive the necessary nutrients at key developmental stages. Furthermore, by stopping water and fertilizer supply in the later stages of bulb enlargement, nutrients from the above-ground parts of the plant are redirected to the underground bulbs, further promoting the enlargement of single-clove garlic.

[0011] By observing the external morphology of the plant (pseudonym thickness and non-bolting) as harvesting indicators, the invention enables rapid and non-destructive identification of target single-clove garlic, improving the efficiency and accuracy of harvesting operations. Through multi-stage technical collaboration, the invention simplifies and standardizes the production of single-clove garlic and achieves a high yield of single-clove garlic.

[0012] Preferably, the individual scales of the garlic seed used in production weigh 1.3 to 2.5 g, have a height of 1.8 to 2.2 cm, and a back width of 1.2 to 1.5 cm.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the specifications of garlic seeds used in production are limited, ensuring the consistency of seed sources. Garlic cloves within this specification range have enough stored nutrients to support the growth and development of a single bulb, but not enough to support the differentiation of multiple lateral buds, thus ensuring the probability of single-clove garlic formation.

[0014] Preferably, during the process of placing the garlic seeds for production in a low-temperature cold storage, the temperature of the cold storage is 0-4°C, and the treatment time is 50 days.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the process parameters for low-temperature treatment were clarified. 0–4℃ is the optimal temperature range for inducing vernalization and breaking dormancy in garlic plants. A 50-day treatment ensured sufficient physiological regulation, allowing the hormone levels and metabolic activities within the garlic seed to reach a stable state, transitioning to a single-center growth pattern.

[0016] Preferably, the compound fertilizer for planting is prepared by uniformly mixing 30-40 parts by weight of urea, 20-30 parts by weight of superphosphate and 20-30 parts by weight of potassium sulfate.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is provided. Urea mainly provides nitrogen to meet the nutritional growth needs of garlic seedlings; superphosphate provides phosphorus to promote root development and energy metabolism; and potassium sulfate provides potassium, which is crucial for bulb enlargement and quality formation. This reasonable ratio can meet the nutritional needs of single-clove garlic throughout its entire growth cycle.

[0018] Preferably, during the application of the compound fertilizer for planting during the bud differentiation period and the bulb enlargement period, the weight of the compound fertilizer for planting applied to the surface of the planting soil each time is 35-45 kg.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solutions, topdressing is applied during the critical growth stages of the plants. The bulb differentiation stage is a crucial period that determines the shape of the garlic bulb, and supplementing nutrients at this time can consolidate the single-center growth trend; supplementing nutrients during the bulb enlargement stage directly affects the final yield, ensuring that the single-clove garlic is large and symmetrical.

[0020] Preferably, the first preset moisture content is when the moisture content of the planting soil is reduced to 20% to 30%, and the second preset moisture content is when the moisture content of the planting soil is reduced to 40% to 50%.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, a quantitative standard for water management during the seedling emergence period was established. After sowing, the soil moisture content is appropriately reduced to promote deep root development and respiration of garlic seeds. After the moisture content drops to the first preset moisture content, the first watering is carried out to replenish water for seedling emergence. Thereafter, the moisture content is maintained near the second preset moisture content to avoid seed rot or disease caused by excessive soil moisture, and to provide a suitable water environment for cultivating strong seedlings.

[0022] Preferably, in the process of determining whether a garlic plant is a target single-clove garlic, mature garlic plants with a pseudostem thickness of 0.4 to 0.8 cm and no garlic scape emerging are directly identified as the target single-clove garlic.

[0023] By adopting the above-mentioned technical solutions, objective and easy-to-operate harvesting standards are provided. The pseudostem is a direct reflection of the nutritional status of the above-ground parts; a thinner pseudostem means that nutrients are more concentrated in the underground bulb. The absence of bolting is a clear physiological indicator that the plant has not undergone reproductive growth and that vegetative growth is concentrated in the bulb. These two external characteristics combined constitute a reliable basis for determining whether single-clove garlic has formed.

[0024] This invention provides a cultivation method for producing single-clove garlic. It has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention eliminates the time-consuming and labor-intensive manual straightening of garlic cloves in traditional garlic cultivation by sowing low-temperature treated garlic cloves in the planting furrow without straightening them. The sowing method simplifies the planting process, reduces reliance on manual labor, shortens the planting cycle, increases the planting area per unit time, and reduces the labor cost of production.

[0025] 2. This invention uses prolonged low-temperature treatment of garlic seeds for production, combined with subsequent water regulation, to promote the concentrated supply of nutrients to the main bud. Water and fertilizer management is stopped in the later stage of bulb enlargement, further guiding the nutrients of the above-ground parts of the garlic plant to flow back to the underground bulb. The combination of physiological inhibition and nutrient enrichment ensures a high formation rate of the target single-clove garlic.

[0026] 3. This invention can directly identify target single-clove garlic in the field by observing two external morphological characteristics of mature garlic plants: the thickness of the pseudostem and whether or not they have bolted. This non-digmentation method avoids destructive sampling to confirm the development of underground bulbs, improves the accuracy and efficiency of harvesting operations, and ensures the integrity of the harvested products. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 These are line graphs showing the bulb formation rate and morphological specifications of single-clove garlic in Examples 1 to 3 of this invention; Figure 2 This is a line graph showing the accuracy verification test results of the non-destructive testing criteria for the non-excavation determination criteria in Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a line graph showing the bolting situation and balling rate of Embodiment 1 and Comparative Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 These are line graphs showing the garlic clove separation in Embodiment 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3 of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a line graph showing the directional enlargement effect of nutrient components in Example 1 and Comparative Example 4 of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a reference image showing the shape and size of the garlic seed (Linying small garlic) used in the embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to test examples. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Example 1: This example provides a cultivation method for producing single-clove garlic, including the following steps: S1. Select garlic cloves from Lin'ying small garlic as seed garlic for production. Refer to [reference needed] for specific morphology and size ratios. Figure 6 As shown. In this embodiment, small garlic cloves with a single bud weight of 1.6g, a height of 2.0cm, and a bud back width of 1.3cm were selected as garlic seed for production; S2. Spread the garlic seeds for production evenly on a tray, ensuring that the garlic seeds are evenly distributed and not piled up. Place the tray containing the garlic seeds for production in a low-temperature cold storage at a temperature of 2°C for 50 days to complete the low-temperature treatment of the garlic seeds for production and obtain low-temperature treated garlic seeds. S3. Mix 35 parts by weight of urea, 25 parts by weight of superphosphate and 25 parts by weight of potassium sulfate evenly to prepare a compound fertilizer for planting. Apply 80 kg of the compound fertilizer for planting to the planting soil as base fertilizer. Use a ridge method to ridge the planting soil, controlling the ridge height to 20 cm and the ridge width to 200 cm. On the ridged planting soil, make a planting furrow with a depth of 10 cm every 10 cm. Evenly sow 250 kg of low-temperature treated garlic seeds in the planting furrow, avoiding stacking and squeezing the low-temperature treated garlic seeds in the planting furrow. Do not straighten the low-temperature treated garlic seeds. Cover the sown low-temperature treated garlic seeds with soil. Evenly spray 33% pendimethalin emulsifiable concentrate on the surface of the covered planting soil. Use flood irrigation to thoroughly water the soil between the ridges to complete the sowing operation. S4. When the moisture content of the planting soil after sowing drops to the first preset moisture content (i.e., 25%), the planting soil after sowing is flooded for the first time after emergence. Then, when the moisture content of the planting soil after sowing drops to the second preset moisture content (i.e., 45%), the planting soil after sowing is watered a second time (i.e., subsequent supplementary watering) to control the moisture during the garlic emergence period of the growing season. S5. During the bulb differentiation stage of garlic in the growing season, apply 40 kg of compound fertilizer to the surface of the soil where the garlic is planted and irrigate the soil thoroughly. During the bulb enlargement stage of garlic in the growing season, apply 40 kg of compound fertilizer to the surface of the soil where the garlic is planted and irrigate the soil thoroughly. After that, stop applying compound fertilizer to the soil where the garlic is planted and stop irrigating. This completes the water and fertilizer management during the garlic enlargement stage and promotes the garlic plants to enter the maturity stage. S6. Observe the pseudostem thickness and scape emergence of mature garlic plants. Mature garlic plants with a pseudostem thickness of 0.6cm and no scape emergence are directly identified as target single-clove garlic without being dug up, and the target single-clove garlic is harvested.

[0030] Example 2: This example provides a cultivation method for producing single-clove garlic, including the following steps: S1. Select garlic cloves from Lin'ying small garlic as seed garlic for production. Refer to [reference needed] for specific morphology and size ratios. Figure 6 As shown. In this embodiment, small garlic cloves with a single bud weight of 2.5g, a height of 2.2cm, and a bud back width of 1.5cm were selected as garlic seed for production; S2. Spread the garlic seeds for production evenly on a tray, ensuring that the garlic seeds are evenly distributed and not piled up. Place the tray containing the garlic seeds for production in a low-temperature cold storage at a temperature of 4°C for 50 days to complete the low-temperature treatment of the garlic seeds for production and obtain low-temperature treated garlic seeds. S3. Mix 40 parts by weight of urea, 30 parts by weight of superphosphate and 30 parts by weight of potassium sulfate evenly to prepare a compound fertilizer for planting. Apply 85 kg of the compound fertilizer for planting to the planting soil as base fertilizer. Use a ridge method to ridge the planting soil, controlling the ridge height to be 22 cm and the ridge width to be 210 cm. On the ridged planting soil, make a planting furrow with a depth of 12 cm every 12 cm. Evenly sow 260 kg of low-temperature treated garlic seeds in the planting furrow, avoiding stacking and squeezing the low-temperature treated garlic seeds in the planting furrow. Do not straighten the low-temperature treated garlic seeds. Cover the sown low-temperature treated garlic seeds with soil. Evenly spray 33% pendimethalin emulsifiable concentrate on the surface of the covered planting soil. Use flood irrigation to thoroughly water the soil between the ridges to complete the sowing operation. S4. When the moisture content of the planting soil after sowing drops to the first preset moisture content (i.e., 30%), the planting soil after sowing is flooded for the first time after emergence. Then, when the moisture content of the planting soil after sowing drops to the second preset moisture content (i.e., 50%), the planting soil after sowing is watered a second time (i.e., subsequent supplementary watering) to control the moisture during the garlic emergence period of the growing season. S5. During the bulb differentiation stage of garlic in the growing season, apply 45 kg of compound fertilizer to the surface of the soil where the garlic is planted and irrigate the soil thoroughly. During the bulb enlargement stage of garlic in the growing season, apply 45 kg of compound fertilizer to the surface of the soil where the garlic is planted and irrigate the soil thoroughly. After that, stop applying compound fertilizer to the soil where the garlic is planted and stop irrigating. This completes the water and fertilizer management during the garlic enlargement stage and promotes the garlic plants to enter the maturity stage. S6. Observe the pseudostem thickness and scape emergence of mature garlic plants. Mature garlic plants with a pseudostem thickness of 0.8cm and no scape emergence are directly identified as target single-clove garlic without being dug up, and the target single-clove garlic is harvested.

[0031] Example 3: This example provides a cultivation method for producing single-clove garlic, including the following steps: S1. Select garlic cloves from Lin'ying small garlic as seed garlic for production. Refer to [reference needed] for specific morphology and size ratios. Figure 6 As shown. In this embodiment, small garlic cloves with a single bud weight of 1.3g, a height of 1.8cm, and a bud back width of 1.2cm were selected as garlic seed for production; S2. Spread the garlic seeds for production evenly on a tray, ensuring that the garlic seeds are evenly distributed and not piled up. Place the tray containing the garlic seeds for production in a low-temperature cold storage at 0℃ for 50 days to complete the low-temperature treatment of the garlic seeds for production and obtain low-temperature treated garlic seeds. S3. Mix 30 parts by weight of urea, 20 parts by weight of superphosphate and 20 parts by weight of potassium sulfate evenly to prepare a compound fertilizer for planting. Apply 75 kg of the compound fertilizer for planting to the planting soil as base fertilizer. Use a ridge method to ridge the planting soil, controlling the ridge height to 18 cm and the ridge width to 190 cm. On the ridged planting soil, make a planting furrow with a depth of 8 cm every 8 cm. Evenly sow 240 kg of low-temperature treated garlic seeds in the planting furrow, avoiding stacking and squeezing the low-temperature treated garlic seeds in the planting furrow. Do not straighten the low-temperature treated garlic seeds. Cover the sown low-temperature treated garlic seeds with soil. Evenly spray 33% pendimethalin emulsifiable concentrate on the surface of the covered planting soil. Use flood irrigation to thoroughly water the soil between the ridges to complete the sowing operation. S4. When the moisture content of the planting soil after sowing drops to the first preset moisture content (i.e., 20%), the planting soil after sowing is flooded for the first time after emergence. Then, when the moisture content of the planting soil after sowing drops to the second preset moisture content (i.e., 40%), the planting soil after sowing is watered a second time (i.e., subsequent supplementary watering) to control the moisture during the garlic emergence period of the growing season. S5. During the bulb differentiation stage of garlic in the growing season, apply 35 kg of compound fertilizer to the surface of the soil where the garlic is planted and irrigate the soil thoroughly. During the bulb enlargement stage of garlic in the growing season, apply 35 kg of compound fertilizer to the surface of the soil where the garlic is planted and irrigate the soil thoroughly. After that, stop applying compound fertilizer to the soil where the garlic is planted and stop irrigating. This completes the water and fertilizer management during the garlic enlargement stage and promotes the garlic plants to enter the maturity stage. S6. Observe the pseudostem thickness and scape emergence of mature garlic plants. Mature garlic plants with a pseudostem thickness of 0.4cm and no scape emergence are directly identified as target single-clove garlic without being dug up, and the target single-clove garlic is harvested.

[0032] Comparative Example 1 differs from Example 1 in that step S2 is omitted, and the garlic seeds for production are not placed in a low-temperature cold storage at 2°C for 50 days, but are naturally stored at room temperature for 50 days. All other aspects are the same.

[0033] Comparative Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that conventional garlic was selected in step S1, and garlic cloves with a single scale weight of 3.8g, a height of 2.8cm, and a scale back width of 1.8cm were selected as garlic seeds for production. All other aspects were the same.

[0034] Comparative Example 3 differs from Example 1 in that the water management method is changed in step S4. Instead of waiting for the soil moisture content to drop to 25% and 45% during the seedling stage, conventional watering is used to keep the soil moisture content at least 60%. All other aspects are the same.

[0035] Comparative Example 4 differs from Example 1 in that the preparation components of the compound fertilizer for planting in step S3 are different. Superphosphate and potassium sulfate are not mixed. Only 85 parts by weight of urea are weighed and applied to the planting soil as compound fertilizer for planting. All other aspects are the same.

[0036] Test Example 1: Field statistical test on the bulb formation rate and morphological specifications of single-clove garlic: In the planting soil areas where sowing operations were completed in Examples 1, 2, and 3, areas of 100m² were demarcated respectively. 2The test range was defined, and the total number of low-temperature treated garlic seeds sown within the test range was recorded.

[0037] Wait until the mature garlic plants of Examples 1, 2 and 3 reach the harvest standard, then pull out all the mature garlic plants within the test range to obtain the total number of harvested garlic plants.

[0038] Peel off the membranous outer skin of the harvested garlic plants, observe the internal bulb structure of the garlic, and count the number of target single-clove garlic plants that consist of only one bulb inside.

[0039] The target single-clove garlic ratio is obtained by calculating the ratio of the target single-clove garlic quantity to the total number of garlic plants harvested.

[0040] Use calipers to measure the maximum cross-sectional diameter of each target single-clove garlic, select target single-clove garlic with a maximum cross-sectional diameter greater than 3.0 cm, and record the number of target single-clove garlic that meet the numerical requirements.

[0041] Calculate the ratio of the number of target single-clove garlic with a maximum cross-sectional diameter greater than 3.0 cm to the total number of target single-clove garlic, and obtain the proportion of individuals with a maximum cross-sectional diameter greater than 3.0 cm.

[0042] Table 1. Data on the bulb formation rate and morphological specifications of single-clove garlic in Examples 1 to 3

[0043] Figure 1 This is a line graph showing the bulb formation rate and morphological specifications of single-clove garlic in Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention. Figure 1 The horizontal axis represents the example number, and the vertical axis represents the proportion value. The graph shows the specific numerical distribution of Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3 on two test indicators: the proportion of target single-clove garlic and the proportion of individuals with a maximum cross-sectional diameter greater than 3.0 cm.

[0044] Conclusion: Based on Table 1 and Figure 1 The data shows that the cultivation steps and parameter ranges set in Examples 1, 2, and 3 can complete the large-scale cultivation of single-clove garlic. The target single-clove garlic ratio in Examples 1, 2, and 3 all reached over 80.89%, and the proportion of individuals with a maximum cross-sectional diameter greater than 3.0 cm all reached over 61.51%.

[0045] The median setting of planting parameters demonstrated the best parameter coordination. Example 1, with a single bulb weight of 1.6g and a low-temperature cold storage treatment at 2℃, achieved a data balance between limiting the initial nutrient base within the garlic and inducing incomplete vernalization. Example 1, with its irrigation nodes at 25% and 45% moisture content, closed the lateral bud development channels during the seedling stage, avoiding excessive nutrient consumption. This ensured that all nutrients provided by the later irrigation combined with the compound fertilizer were concentrated on the single apical bulb. Ultimately, Example 1 achieved a single-clove garlic ratio of 86.42%, with 68.19% of individuals having a maximum cross-sectional diameter greater than 3.0cm.

[0046] The single bulb weight of 2.5g and the cold storage temperature of 4℃ set in Example 2 constitute the upper limit range of the planting parameters in this application. The higher parameter range preserves the lateral bud differentiation ability of garlic during the growth period. The development of lateral buds diverts nutrients that would otherwise accumulate towards the terminal bud, resulting in a lower proportion of single-clove garlic and a lower proportion of individuals with a maximum cross-sectional diameter greater than 3.0cm in Example 2 compared to Example 1.

[0047] The weight of a single bulbil (1.3g) and the cold storage temperature (0℃) set in Example 3 constitute the lower limit range of the planting parameters in this application. The extreme physiological and environmental stress completely restricted lateral bud development, but also suppressed the plant's early-stage photosynthetic dry matter accumulation. This resulted in the bulb enlargement rate remaining limited even with the application of the same amount of compound fertilizer later on, thus making the proportion of individuals with a maximum cross-sectional diameter greater than 3.0cm in Example 3 lower than in Examples 1 and 2.

[0048] Test Example 2: Accuracy Verification Test of the Non-Destructive Testing Criteria for Excavation-Free Judgment In the planting soil areas where sowing operations were completed in Examples 1, 2, and 3, test blocks were delineated, and the total number of mature garlic plants in the test blocks was counted.

[0049] The thickness of the pseudostem of the above-ground part of each mature garlic plant in the test block was measured using vernier calipers, and the bolting status of each mature garlic plant was observed and recorded.

[0050] Based on the pseudostem thickness values ​​and the criteria for determining the absence of garlic scapes set in Examples 1, 2 and 3, mature garlic plants that meet the criteria are directly identified as target single-clove garlic without being dug up, and the number of target single-clove garlic plants identified in the field in Examples 1, 2 and 3 is recorded.

[0051] All mature garlic plants in the test area were pulled out, their membranous outer skin was peeled off, and the internal bulb structure of the underground garlic was observed. The actual number of single-clove garlic plants in their individual form was recorded.

[0052] Check the overlap between the plant samples corresponding to the target number of single-clove garlic in the field and the actual plant samples in single-clove morphology, and record the number of correctly determined single-clove garlic that is correct.

[0053] The ratio between the number of correctly identified single-clove garlic and the number of target single-clove garlic identified in the field is calculated to obtain the non-destructive identification accuracy.

[0054] Table 2. Data Table of Trenchless Non-destructive Testing Criteria for Examples 1 to 3

[0055] Figure 2 This is a line graph showing the accuracy verification test results of the non-destructive testing criteria for the non-excavation determination criteria in Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention. Figure 2 The horizontal axis represents the example number, and the vertical axis represents the quantity value. The graph shows the specific numerical distribution of the three objective statistical indicators for Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3 in the field: the number of target single-clove garlic, the actual number of single-clove garlic, and the number of correctly identified single-clove garlic.

[0056] Conclusion: Based on Table 2 and Figure 2 Data shows that the method of measuring pseudostem thickness in conjunction with bolting can evaluate the morphological structure of the underground bulb. There is a correlation between the above-ground pseudostem thickness of garlic plants and the clove development status of the underground bulbs. In garlic plants that have undergone water control and low-temperature treatment, the lateral bud development channels are closed, and nutrients provided by compound fertilizers containing specific weight components applied to the planting soil are no longer allocated to the lateral buds. Garlic plants lacking lateral bud development have a reduced need for lateral expansion space, resulting in a corresponding decrease in the number and thickness of leaf sheath layers surrounding the above-ground pseudostem. The pseudostem thickness is lower than that of conventional multi-clove garlic plants.

[0057] The process of garlic bolting consumes internal nutrients. The absence of a garlic bolt indicates that the garlic flower bud development has ceased during the growing season. The cessation of flower bud development cuts off the nutrient consumption pathway during the reproductive growth stage, causing the plant to completely transfer the absorbed fertilizer nutrients to the terminal bulb. The pseudostem thickness value, combined with the external characteristics of the plant without a bolting scape, forms the basis for directly identifying the target single-clove garlic without digging it up.

[0058] Example 1, using a pseudostem thickness of 0.6 cm and the absence of garlic scapes as a criterion, achieved a non-destructive accuracy rate of 97.59%. This criterion, established in Example 1, effectively distinguished mature garlic plants with fully developed underground bulbs without artificial excavation or soil disruption. Examples 2 and 3 achieved non-destructive accuracy rates of 95.61% and 96.33%, respectively, indicating that after adjusting the cold storage temperature and individual bulb weight parameters, the newly set upper and lower limits for pseudostem thickness still reflect the single-bulb structure. A slight discrepancy between the target number of single-clove garlic plants and the actual number observed in the field was due to some mature garlic plants being compressed by soil clods, causing interference with pseudostem development and resulting in pseudostem thickness deviating from the preset range.

[0059] Test Example 3: Comparative test of the effect of low-temperature vernalization intervention on flower bud abortion: In the planting soil areas where sowing operations were completed in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, test blocks were delineated, and the total number of mature garlic plants growing in the test blocks was recorded.

[0060] Observe the above-ground bolting of each mature garlic plant in the test area and count the number of mature garlic plants that have produced garlic scapes.

[0061] The bolting rate is obtained by calculating the ratio of the number of mature garlic plants that have produced garlic scapes to the total number of mature garlic plants.

[0062] All mature garlic plants in the test area were pulled out, the membranous outer skin was peeled off, the internal bulb structure of the underground garlic was observed, and the number of target single-clove garlic plants consisting of only one bulb was counted.

[0063] The target single-clove garlic ratio is obtained by calculating the ratio of the number of target single-clove garlic plants to the total number of mature garlic plants.

[0064] Table 3. Bolting and bulb formation data of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1

[0065] Figure 3 This is a line graph showing the bolting situation and balling rate of Embodiment 1 and Comparative Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 The horizontal axis represents the test group number, and the vertical axis represents the percentage value. The graph shows the specific numerical distribution of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 in terms of bolting rate and target single-clove garlic ratio.

[0066] Conclusion: Based on Table 3 and Figure 3The data shows that the bolting rate of Example 1 was 2.23%, and the target single-clove garlic ratio was 86.36%; the bolting rate of Comparative Example 1 was 71.04%, and the target single-clove garlic ratio was 18.70%. The bolting rate of Example 1 was lower than that of Comparative Example 1, and the target single-clove garlic ratio of Example 1 was higher than that of Comparative Example 1.

[0067] Garlic seeds for production were treated in a low-temperature cold storage at 2°C for 50 days, breaking their dormancy and inducing an incomplete vernalization process. This incomplete vernalization process blocked the development pathways of flower buds within the plant, resulting in a low bolting rate as observed in the field statistics of Example 1. Simultaneously, the incomplete vernalization process inhibited the development of lateral buds, preventing them from properly differentiating into multi-clove garlic structures.

[0068] Comparative Example 1 did not place the garlic cloves for production in a low-temperature cold storage at 2°C for 50 days. The garlic cloves for production stored at room temperature maintained normal flower bud differentiation channels and lateral bud differentiation channels in the planting soil, grew normal garlic scapes and formed conventional multi-lobed bulbs, resulting in a higher bolting rate and a lower proportion of target single-clove garlic in Comparative Example 1.

[0069] Example 1 utilizes a low-temperature treatment step to control the physiological development pathways of the plant, combined with water control during the seedling stage. This ensures that the nutrients provided by the compound fertilizer for planting, which consists of a uniform mixture of 35 parts by weight of urea, 25 parts by weight of superphosphate, and 25 parts by weight of potassium sulfate, are no longer distributed to flower buds and lateral buds. Instead, the nutrients provided by the compound fertilizer for planting are directed to the single apical bulb, completing the development and enlargement process of the target single-clove garlic.

[0070] Test Example 4: Comparative test of the synergistic effect of initial maternal nutrient restriction and water stress during emergence on inhibiting lateral buds: In the planting soil areas where sowing operations were completed in Examples 1, 2, and 3, test blocks of the same area were demarcated. After the mature garlic plants reached the harvest standard, all the mature garlic plants in the test blocks were pulled out to obtain the total number of harvested garlic plants.

[0071] Peel off the membranous outer skin of the harvested garlic plants to observe the internal bulb structure.

[0072] Record the number of plants with two or more independent clove structures to obtain the number of mature garlic plants with clove structures.

[0073] The garlic clove separation rate is obtained by calculating the ratio of the number of mature garlic plants with clove structure to the total number of harvested garlic plants.

[0074] Table 4. Data on garlic clove separation in Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3

[0075] Figure 4 These are line graphs showing the garlic clove separation in Embodiment 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3 of the present invention. Figure 4 The horizontal axis represents the test group number, the left vertical axis represents the quantity value, and the solid lines connecting the total number of harvested garlic plants and the number of mature garlic plants with clove structure are shown; the right vertical axis represents the proportion value, and the dashed lines connecting the garlic clove rate are shown. The graph shows the specific numerical distribution of the three test indicators—total number of harvested garlic plants, number of mature garlic plants with clove structure, and garlic clove rate—for Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3.

[0076] Conclusion: Based on Table 4 and Figure 4 The data shows that the garlic clove separation rate in Example 1 was 13.24%, the garlic clove separation rate in Comparative Example 2 was 69.07%, and the garlic clove separation rate in Comparative Example 3 was 54.75%. The garlic clove separation rate in Example 1 was lower than that in Comparative Example 2 and Comparative Example 3.

[0077] Example 1 selected small garlic cloves with a single bulb weight of 1.6g as seed garlic for production. The initial endogenous nutrient base of the mother plant at a weight of 1.6g is relatively low. This low initial endogenous nutrient base cannot simultaneously support the developmental needs of both the apical and lateral buds. In Example 1, the soil moisture content was lowered to 25% and 45% during the seedling stage, creating a water stress environment. This water stress environment induced the production of abscisic acid (ABA) signals within the garlic during the growing season. The ABA signals actively closed the lateral bud development pathway. The initial nutrient restriction of the mother plant, combined with water stress during the seedling stage, jointly blocked the multi-clove differentiation process of the garlic during the growing season. When a compound fertilizer prepared by mixing 35 parts by weight of urea, 25 parts by weight of superphosphate, and 25 parts by weight of potassium sulfate was applied to the planting soil, the provided nutrients no longer flowed to the lateral buds but instead all accumulated in the apical bud to complete its enlargement.

[0078] Comparative Example 2 selected garlic cloves with a single bud weight of 3.8g as production seed. These 3.8g production seed cloves contained sufficient initial carbohydrates and protein. This ample initial nutrient base overcame the developmental limitations caused by water stress during the seedling stage, directly providing an early material basis for lateral bud differentiation. The lateral buds gained developmental advantage in the early growth stage, leading to the formation of multiple growth centers within the plant. These multiple growth centers shared the nutrients provided by the compound fertilizer in the planting soil, ultimately forming a multi-clove garlic structure and increasing the clove separation rate of Comparative Example 2.

[0079] Comparative Example 3 used conventional watering methods to maintain the soil moisture content at least 60%. This moisture content of at least 60% relieved the water stress on the garlic during its growing season. The lack of water stress prevented the garlic from accumulating sufficient physiological signaling substances to close the lateral bud development pathways. In a well-moistened soil environment, the lateral buds remained actively developing, simultaneously absorbing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the compound fertilizer and continuously expanding to form independent cloves. This resulted in a higher clove separation rate in Comparative Example 3 compared to Example 1.

[0080] Test Example 5: Comparative Test of the Targeted Enlargement Effect of Nutrient Components: In the planting soil areas where sowing operations were completed, corresponding to Example 1 and Comparative Example 4, test blocks of the same area were delineated.

[0081] Once the mature garlic plants in the test area reach the harvest standard, all mature garlic plants will be pulled out.

[0082] Remove the membranous outer skin of mature garlic plants and screen out target single-clove garlic whose internal structure consists of only one bulb. Record the harvest quantity of target single-clove garlic in Example 1 and Comparative Example 4.

[0083] Use vernier calipers to measure the maximum cross-sectional diameter of each target single-clove garlic, calculate the arithmetic mean of the maximum cross-sectional diameter of the target single-clove garlic harvest quantity, and obtain the average transverse diameter.

[0084] The target single-clove garlic was weighed one by one using an electronic balance, and the arithmetic mean of the weights of the harvested target single-clove garlic was calculated to obtain the average weight per head.

[0085] Table 5. Data on the directional enlargement effect of nutrient components in Example 1 and Comparative Example 4

[0086] Figure 5 This is a line graph showing the directional enlargement effect of nutrient components in Example 1 and Comparative Example 4 of the present invention. Figure 5 The horizontal axis represents the test group number, the left vertical axis represents the length value, corresponding to the solid line connecting the average transverse diameter; the right vertical axis represents the weight value, corresponding to the dashed line connecting the average weight per head. The graph shows the specific numerical distribution of the average transverse diameter and average weight per head for Example 1 and Comparative Example 4.

[0087] Conclusion: Based on Table 5 and Figure 5The data shows that the average transverse diameter of Example 1 is 3.52 cm and the average weight per head is 16.47 g; the average transverse diameter of Comparative Example 4 is 2.14 cm and the average weight per head is 8.31 g. The average transverse diameter of Example 1 is greater than that of Comparative Example 4, and the average weight per head of Example 1 is greater than that of Comparative Example 4.

[0088] Example 1: A compound fertilizer for planting was prepared by uniformly mixing 35 parts by weight of urea, 25 parts by weight of superphosphate, and 25 parts by weight of potassium sulfate. Urea provides nitrogen, superphosphate provides phosphorus, and potassium sulfate provides potassium. Garlic absorbs phosphorus and potassium during the bulb enlargement period. Phosphorus participates in the cell division process within the target single-clove garlic. Potassium promotes the transfer of carbohydrates synthesized by photosynthesis in the above-ground leaves of the garlic during the growing season to the underground bulb. In an environment where the lateral bud development channels are closed, the nutrients provided by the compound fertilizer for planting are no longer distributed to the lateral buds. Nutrients are completely concentrated in the terminal bud, completing the enlargement of the terminal bud bulb, resulting in higher average transverse diameter and average single-clove weight in Example 1.

[0089] Comparative Example 4 did not mix superphosphate and potassium sulfate; only 85 parts by weight of urea were weighed and applied to the planting soil as a compound fertilizer. This compound fertilizer provided only nitrogen. During the growing season, garlic absorbs only nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth in the pseudostem and leaves of the above-ground parts of the plant. The lack of phosphorus in the planting soil restricted cell division within the underground bulbs. The lack of potassium in the planting soil caused carbohydrates synthesized in the above-ground leaves to remain in the leaves, hindering their transfer to the underground bulbs. The terminal bulbs lacked the nutrient base required for expansion. This nutrient deficiency limited the lateral development and weight gain of the terminal bulbs, resulting in lower average transverse diameter and average weight per bulb in Comparative Example 4 compared to Example 1.

Claims

1. A cultivation method for producing single-clove garlic, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Garlic cloves from Lin'ying small garlic were selected as seed garlic for production; The garlic seeds used in production are placed in a low-temperature cold storage for treatment to obtain low-temperature treated garlic seeds; The compound fertilizer for planting is applied to the planting soil as base fertilizer. The planting soil is ridged and planting furrows are dug on the ridges. The low-temperature treated garlic seeds are sown in the planting furrows without needing to be straightened. Then, the soil is covered, pendimethalin emulsifiable concentrate is sprayed on the surface of the planting soil and the soil is thoroughly irrigated to complete the sowing operation. Watering will be carried out in stages according to the process of the soil moisture content decreasing from a first preset moisture content to a second preset moisture content; During the garlic's bulb differentiation and bulb enlargement stages, apply the compound fertilizer for planting to the soil surface and flood the soil with water. Then stop water and fertilizer management to promote the garlic plants to enter the maturity stage. Observe the thickness of the pseudostem and the bolting of the mature garlic plants. Garlic plants without bolting are identified as target single-clove garlic and harvested without being dug up.

2. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The individual scales of the garlic seed used in production weigh 1.3–2.5 g, are 1.8–2.2 cm high, and have a back width of 1.2–1.5 cm.

3. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the process of placing the garlic seeds for production in a low-temperature cold storage, the temperature of the cold storage is 0-4℃, the processing time is 50 days, and the garlic seeds for production are spread evenly on a tray to ensure uniform distribution without stacking.

4. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compound fertilizer for planting is prepared by uniformly mixing 30-40 parts by weight of urea, 20-30 parts by weight of superphosphate and 20-30 parts by weight of potassium sulfate.

5. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the sowing process, the weight of the compound fertilizer applied to the planting soil is 75-85 kg, and the weight of the low-temperature treated garlic seeds sown in the planting furrow is 240-260 kg.

6. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the process of creating the planting furrows, the height of the ridge surface is controlled to be 18-22cm, the width of the ridge surface is controlled to be 190-210cm, and a planting furrow with a depth of 8-12cm is created every 8-12cm on the ridge surface of the planting soil after ridging.

7. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the process of sowing the low-temperature treated garlic seeds in the planting furrow, the low-temperature treated garlic seeds should be prevented from piling up and being squeezed in the planting furrow, and the dimethyl pendimethalin emulsifiable concentrate sprayed should be 33% dimethyl pendimethalin emulsifiable concentrate.

8. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soil moisture content during the first watering after emergence is 20%–30%, and the soil moisture content during the second watering is 40%–50%.

9. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the application of the compound fertilizer for planting during the bud differentiation period and the bulb enlargement period, the weight of the compound fertilizer applied to the surface of the planting soil each time is 35-45 kg.

10. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the process of identifying the target single-clove garlic, mature garlic plants with a pseudostem thickness of 0.4-0.8 cm and no garlic scape emerging are directly identified as the target single-clove garlic.

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