The Effects of Cold Treatments on Growth and Flowering Characteristics of Endemic Allium sandrasicum L. Bulbs under Antalya Ecological Conditions

Allium sandrasicum L. is an endemic Allium species of southwestern Turkey. To date it has not yet been used for floricultural purposes although it is taxonomically well known. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of 15, 30 and 60 days cold treatment at 5 and 10 degrees C on bulbs of A. sandrasicum L. as pre-planting applications. Pre-treated bulbs were planted in a heated greenhouse and in the open field partially shaded for two successive growing seasons. Experiment results showed that both cold temperatures and treatment periods had significant effects on leaf number, flower stem length and flower head diameter on the bulbs when grown in the greenhouse compared to those grown under a partially shaded area. The bulbs kept at 10 degrees C storage for 30 days gave better results in terms of growth and flowering characteristics than those stored for 60 days. While those treated with 5 degrees C, flowered earlier, gave bigger size bulbs and higher dry-weight compared with bulbs treated at 10 degrees C. There was no significant difference in flower stem diameter. Where no cooling application took place on the plant more bulblets developed.