Studies on Allium Vineale L. III. Effect of Depth of Planting

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Abstract
Results are reported of the establishment and subsequent growth of A. vineale when its 3 reproductive structures (main underground shoots, hard offsets and aerial bulbils) were planted at 7 depths 0 inch (0 cm), 1/2 inch (1.25 cm), 1 inch (2.5 cm), 2 inches (5 cm), 4 inches (10 cm), 8 inches (20 cm) and 16 inches (40 cm). There was full establishment of plants from main underground shoots down to 8 inches, and a substantial proportion (more than 60%) from 16 inches. The mean weight of harvested main underground shoots increased in a linear manner, from 0.3 g from surface planting to 2 g at 8 inches. The shallower the original planting, the greater the number of hard offsets, and the higher the weight proportion of underground shoots as offsets. All plants arising from down to 2 inches bore scapes; below this level, a progressively smaller proportion the greater the depth. Trends closely paralleling the above were recorded with planted hard offsets. In addition, the number of unsprouted offsets, removed after 2 years, increased with planting depth from almost nil at soil surface or 1/2 inch beneath it, to more than 50% at 8 inches and 16 inches. The effect of planting depth on Allium arising from aerial bulbils was similar to that on main underground shoot and offset plants, although over a shallower range. There was a rapid reduction in number and weight of harvested structures below 4 inches; the proportion of underground shoot weight as hard offsets was less than for bulbs and offsets, being 30% at 0 inch, 8% at 2 inches, some 0.3% at 4 inches and nil at greater depths. No plants bore aerial bulbil heads; at the end of the growing season, 2 of the 250 bulbils originally put on the soil were removed unsprouted, a figure increasing with depth of planting to 83 at 16 inches. Interpretation of the above results and their relation to the growth, survival, and control of Allium in the field are discussed.

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