Project description

The cultivation of garlic in Austria has quadrupled in the last ten years and stabilised at a self-sufficiency level of around 25 %. With the expansion and intensification of cultivation in various regions of Austria, new challenges are arising for cultivation. Austria is dependent on purchasing garlic seedlings from Spanish and French propagators and it is difficult or impossible to obtain regional varieties. In addition, studies have shown that imported garlic seedlings are heavily infected with phytopathogenic pathogens.

The yield loss due to virus infestation is up to 50 % and can be higher in the case of mixed infections with other viruses. Yield losses due to fusariosis can also be high. Direct control of garlic viruses is not possible and fusariosis can only be combated inadequately. The only effective measure is to use healthy planting stock.

The aim of the KNODIV project is to expand the range of garlic varieties for cultivation in Austria. To this end, ten varieties will first be selected with the help of genetic resource conservators and garlic producers according to various criteria (production conditions, climate adaptation, susceptibility to disease, suitability for marketing). The ten selected varieties are then tested for infestation with viruses and fungi, and pathogens are removed and propagated using an in vitro method optimised by AGES.

The transition from in vitro material to propagation in the field is a very important step in the production of healthy planting material. For this reason, the project aims to develop a practical method for the optimal acclimatisation of in vitro plants in the greenhouse and their planting out. As an alternative to acclimatisation in the greenhouse, in vitro-produced breeding bulbs are to be planted out directly in the field.

This work is a prerequisite for the establishment of domestic seedling production. The pathogen-free varieties can be preserved in vitro and, if required, be available for the production of new starting material for the propagation of healthy planting stock of regionally adapted garlic varieties.

Interim results

Pathogen testing and in vitro trials

• One or more viruses were detected in almost all varieties.
• Sterilisation was difficult and relatively inefficient (Fusarium infestation)
• 12 of 13 varieties were successfully regenerated using meristem culture.
• There are virus-free plants of 8 of the 13 varieties processed, although not all of them could be propagated further.
• 4 varieties show sufficient potential in in vitro propagation to be produced and maintained in sufficient quantities. (German Porcelain, Waldviertler, Red Toch and Striped Glazer).

Planting in raised beds and in the field

• The varieties Eibesbrunner, Deutscher Porzellan and Waldviertler were grown in the field and in raised beds
• E1 is now in its third generation and forms normal tubers.
• DP has also already produced fully formed toes.
• Waldviertler formed round tubers in the bed during spring planting and tubers with fully differentiated toes in the field.
• The varieties Red Toch and Striped Glazer have excellent propagation potential using root tip culture and will be planted out for the first time this season.

Benefits of the project

As with all vegetatively propagated plant species, the quality of the planting material for garlic is the basis for the production of healthy plants. The use of virus-free planting material is the only control strategy against the occurrence of virus diseases in particular, as infection with various viruses occurs in the field and is also spread with the planting material. Virus-free plants produced by tissue culture showed an increase in tuber weight of 30-200% in several varieties compared to infected plants. For these reasons, the production of pathogen-free planting stock of varieties adapted to Austrian production conditions is of high practical relevance for maintaining the competitiveness of domestic garlic production.

At the end of the KNODIV project, Austrian garlic producers should have access to regionally adapted, stable-yielding garlic varieties for domestic planting stock production, which can also be maintained in vitro and can supply pathogen-free material again if required.

Further information

DaFNE - Research platform