The effect of bulb size and application method of asahi sl biostimulator on the growth and yield of Allium moly L.

An experiment aimed at examining the effect of bulb size and the method of application of Asahi SL biostimulator on the growth and yield of Allium moly L. was conducted in the years 2005–2008. Four sizes of bulbs were used in the experiment (3–4, 4–5, 5–6, and 6–7 cm in circumference). Asahi SL was applied in the following combinations: bulb soaking for 45 minutes in the biostimulator solution prior to planting; plant spraying at the green bud stage; soaking combined with plant spraying; and the control treatment without application of the stimulator. Asahi SL was applied at a concentration of 0.2%. After the first frost, the experimental plots were mulched with wheat straw. During the experiment, the decorative value of the plants was evaluated and the following features were determined: inflorescence stem length, inflorescence diameter, and number of flowers per inflorescence. Total yield was evaluated after bulb harvest. The size of Allium moly bulbs planted was found to determine the quality of inflorescence stems and total yield of daughter bulbs expressed in their number and weight. Inflorescence stems of high ornamental value and high total yield of daughter bulbs resulted from planting bulbs of 5–6 and 6–7 cm in circumference. The application of 0.2% solution of Asahi by spraying green buds or the combination of spraying and bulb soaking prior to planting are very beneficial for the quality of inflorescence stems and yield of daughter bulbs. The application of 0.2% solution of Asahi SL by plant spraying leads to an increase in total quantitative yield of bulbs by 10% or 8% in case of the combined use of both application methods. Bulb soaking combined with plant spraying leads to an