**4. Mexican genotypes**

The origin of present-day genotypes in Mexico was a group of cultivars: 'Perla', 'California', 'Chileno' and 'Taiwan', which were introduced from USA and China. A short description of each is included:

**'Perla'.** Late cultivar (240 d), with creamy-colored bulbs; 10 to 16 cloves per bulb covered with about seven outer layers. Plant height is 40-45 cm tall, having a pale-green open

section describes our strategy for obtaining garlic genotypes with higher yield capability

Garlic is native to India (Central Asia), where was considered a spice with mystical implications due to its medicinal attributes. Egyptian hieroglyphs and Roman texts refer to garlic as a source for health and strength required for physical work. During the Middle Ages was used to prevent cholera. Nowadays, it is known for its antiseptic, diuretic, vermifuge and vasodilator activities. It also stimulates bile and stomach secretions, and acts

Spaniard conquerors carried with them garlic; first to Cuba and, later, to the rest of the American colonies. Early reports of garlic fields in Mexico appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, and fifty years later, the central region of Mexico (Bajío) was the main area for garlic production. The time of harvest in that region made possible to start

Garlic species are widely distributed on boreal areas having temperate climates and mountainous areas from tropical regions. Most of the species diversity is found from Mediterranean countries to Central Asia. USA is considered as diversification center for

Garlic (*Allium sativum* L.) is propagated asexually, but shows a high morphological diversity among cultivars. These cultivars have a range of adaptation to different environments (Paredes et al., 2008). Like onion, garlic plants have thin tape-shaped leaves about 30 cm long. Roots reach a 50 cm depth or little more. Heads or bulbs are white-skinned, divided into sections called cloves. Each head could have from 6 to 12 cloves, which are covered with a white or reddish papery layer or "skin". Bulbs are consumed fresh, totally or partially dried, and pickled. Although the bulb consumption is more common, tender shoots sometimes are a

Each clove is capable to develop a new plant, since they have an apical shoot bud that can elongate even though if they are not sown. This shoot is apparent after three months after the harvest, depending on the genotype and conservation conditions. Flowers are white, and the stem of some species also produce small bulbils. These stems produce a strong odor

The origin of present-day genotypes in Mexico was a group of cultivars: 'Perla', 'California', 'Chileno' and 'Taiwan', which were introduced from USA and China. A short description of

**'Perla'.** Late cultivar (240 d), with creamy-colored bulbs; 10 to 16 cloves per bulb covered with about seven outer layers. Plant height is 40-45 cm tall, having a pale-green open

delicatessen for sophisticated cuisine. These shoots may be prepared like asparagus.

exporting surplus, since at that time of the year the world production is low.

and better bulb quality characteristics according to the market demand.

**2. Origin and distribution** 

*Allium* (Lagunes, 2009).

**3. Plant description** 

**4. Mexican genotypes**

each is included:

against atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

from two compounds: alliin and diallylsulfide.

canopy. Experimental yields from this genotype usually range from 16 to 18 ton/ha. Physiological disorders are common, such as brush-like plant growth with excessive number of thinner leaves; the more severe this problem, the more the plant opens its canopy of leaves with reduced sheath. Bulbs of brush-like plants lose their covering layers, producing naked cloves. This disorder is high temperature-dependent, having the highest temperature influence on March and April; therefore, it varies in severity from year to year. Experimental observation indicates that some other factors alone or combined may be related to the induction of brush-like plants such as: early planting, excessive nitrogen fertilization, and planting density. This disorder worsens when these factors appear combined.

**'California'.** Late cultivar (260 d); recently introduced to Aguascalientes (Mexico). Bulbs are white, containing 18-26 cloves. Experimental yields range from 18 to 20 ton/ha. Plants are 50 cm tall on the average; leaves are pale-green with open canopy.

**'Chileno'.** Early cultivar (160 d), with a yield average of 7 ton/ha. Bulbs are purplish with 5- 6 covering layers; containing 11-22 cloves (average = 19). Plants are about 50 cm tall; with semi-compact canopy and dark green leaves.

**'Taiwan'.** Early cultivar (170 d); its yield average is 7 ton/ha. Bulbs are purple in color, with 7-13 cloves (average = 9). Plant height reaches 50 cm on the average, with semi-compact canopy and dark green leaves.
