Vol. 9, Special Issue 12, Part F (2025)

Genetic diversity among twenty-one garlic (Allium sativum L.) genotypes was evaluated over two Rabi seasons (2020-21 and 2021-22) at the Instructional Farm, PDKV, Akola, to identify superior lines for yield and yield-contributing traits. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Morphological, phenological and yield parameters were recorded at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after planting and at harvest; pooled means across seasons were used for comparison. Data were subjected to analysis of variance to assess genotypic differences. Considerable variation was observed for vegetative characters: pooled plant height at harvest ranged from 39.28 cm (Phule Nilima) to 59.56 cm (ATGM-02), number of leaves at maturity from 11.04 (G-286) to 14.30 (Jalana local), mean leaf length at maturity from 27.30 cm (MADH-2) to 43.45 cm (ATGM-06), and pooled neck thickness at harvest from 0.571 cm (Bheema purple) to 1.016 cm (ATGM-8-1). Bulb traits also varied widely: pooled polar diameter was 2.369-3.363 cm, equatorial diameter 2.961-4.130 cm, number of cloves per bulb 12.40-23.79, single fresh bulb weight 25.27-43.88 g, and clove weight 0.525-1.017 g. Germination percentage ranged from 59.50% to 92.21%. Yield responses were substantial and genotype-dependent: pooled fresh-bulb yield per plot varied from 9.10 to 15.80 kg, cured-bulb yield per plot from 3.791 to 5.850 kg, and cured-bulb yield per hectare from 94.77 to 146.25 q/ha. Genotype ATGM-12 consistently combined large bulb size, high single-bulb and clove weights and the highest fresh and cured yields (pooled cured yield 146.25 q/ha), whereas AKG-06 and AKG-4 excelled in bulb count and establishment. The significant genotypic effects and stable performance of particular lines across seasons indicate strong genetic control for several key traits and good prospects for selection. ATGM-12 is recommended for immediate promotion and as a donor parent in breeding aimed at improving bulb size and marketable yield; complementary parental selections (e.g., AKG-06, AKG-4, ATGM-11) are suggested depending on breeding objectives.