"We can say that, for now, the fungus is not affecting a large amount of land or a high number of producers, but what we have seen is a greater spread and more farms being affected by it. This doesn't entail a threat for the current season, although it is true that its spread should be stopped soon, because it could become a big problem in the coming years," explains López.
Aldo also stated that "the INTA is working to raise awareness about the measures to be adopted to slow down its spread, such as not using seeds affected and/or from plantations where the fungus' presence has been observed. Also, the plots should be treated by placing plastic on the soil during the summer (thermotherapy) to get the soil temperature to rise and kill the spores of the fungus." The research program includes several lines of work with promising results for the control of this disease.
The export of garlic has not yet started, since "in order to be marketed, garlic must be harvested, dried and packaged; a process that, depending on the weather conditions, may take about 25 days. Therefore, the first shipments of early garlic are expected to start within about two weeks."
According to López, "the weather conditions have been very favourable this year and the crop has achieved very good growth (which has also resulted in a greater presence of the fungus). This has allowed for the growing of large, good quality bulbs. Also, the absence of rain during the harvest facilitates a good curing and drying, so a low percentage of bulbs are expected to be affected by spots.
Regarding the situation of markets and sales prices, he says that, although it is not his specialty, he believes that "there is still some uncertainty. The price of Chinese garlic has been lower than in the previous year, but as we say, you have to evaluate the entire campaign, from beginning to end, and in the end, take stock. We believe that the final balance will be positive."
The garlic harvest season in Mendoza starts with the harvesting of purple garlic; a variety that is sold between December and February, since it cannot be stored for long. The campaign comes to a close with red garlic, which is sold from March to August and can be kept in good condition for several months.
For more information:
Agr. Eng. Aldo López
National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA)
Argentina
T: 1160587945
E: lopez.aldo@inta.gob.ar
www.inta.gob.ar