The vernalization time to obtain secondary growth of garlic plants (Allium sativum L.) was evaluated, through in vitro tissue culture technique at the Universidade Federal de Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized with six vernalization periods (40; 50; 60; 70; 80 and 90 days) in refrigerator chamber at 5±2°C, with four replicates. The cultivar Roxo Pérola de Caçador was used in the experiment. The treatment evaluating 90 days of vernalization presented the best results for the ratio bulbs/meristem/tube, plant total fresh matter and bulbs with 1,81 bulbs/meristem/tube, 235.32 mg plant-1 and 110.51 mg bulb-1, respectively. No significant differences among treatments were observed for average fresh matter per bulb. However, 90 days of vernalization with 58.68 mg bulb-1 was 79.29% superior to 60 days of vernalization, presenting the worst result.
Allium sativum; tissue culture; fresh matter of bulb; multiplication index
