Nitrogen fertilization associated to the utilization of bulb free of virus enhances garlic yield and quality and it can incentive growers to invest in the crop whereas it allows a better economic return. The aim of this research was to evaluate the relative chlorophyll index (RCI), plant nutrition and total and commercial garlic yield and verify the correlation among these variables in relation to nitrogen fertilization. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse from May to September 2006. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with six replications. The treatments were application of crescent levels of nitrogen corresponding to 0, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 kg N ha-1. The N source was ammonium nitrate; 25% of the dose was applied when plants presented 3 or 4 leaves, 25% when plants presented 5 or 6 leaves, and 50% after the differentiation. The application of crescent levels of nitrogen proportioned higher relative chlorophyll index (RCI), increased the N content and reduced P and K content in leaves, enhanced total and commercial yield without secondary growth.
Allium sativum; chlorophyll meter; nutrition