To expand the garlic production area and increase yield, experts from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), DA-Ilocos Region, and DA-Bureau Plant Industry (BPI)-National Crop Research Development and Production Support Center recommended registered varieties and cultivars based on multi-location adaptability trials.
In 2017, DA-BAR tapped garlic experts and initiated the said research in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Cordillera Administrative Region.
The project team analyzed the biophysical and climatic characterizations of potential garlic growing areas, as well as pest and disease incidences. Trials were laid out following the Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The plot size was 2 x 5 meters with a planting distance of 20 x 20 cm. The improved package of technology for garlic by MMSU was followed for cultural management.
Various activities to encourage the farmers, especially those in areas where garlic is not commonly planted, to venture into garlic production were done.
MMSU reported that Cagayan Valley and CAR are potential areas for expansion where Ilocos Pink, Ilocos White, Mexican, Miracle, and Tan Bolters are suitable varieties. While the produce from the provinces of Benguet, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya was recommended for black garlic processing.
DA-Ilocos Region identified the top two performing varieties Miracle as ideal for Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Pink for Ilocos Sur, and one cultivar Batanes White for Pangasinan. Thirteen municipalities showed potential as expansion sites. Eight municipalities expanded their area adopting the technologies farmed by 19 farmers and planting adoptable varieties in 9,723 sqm.
DA-BPI Los Baños found that Ilocos White, Batanes White, and Mexican were suitable in Tarlac, Duran Albay, San Carlos City Negros Occidental, and Miag-ao Iloilo.
The project team also recommended the following measures to encourage and institutionalize garlic production in these areas: conduct capacity-building activities, operationalize garlic laboratory for virus indexing, identify molecular characteristics of garlic, and standardize procedure on garlic seed production and certification.
They also advised strengthening partnerships among DA, state universities and colleges, and local government units on pest identification and management, implementing farm consolidation clustering of garlic farmers for expansion sites, and providing market support.
Consolidated recommendations of the project were submitted to the bureau in February 2022, while the terminal review was conducted in December 2021.