Organic production of leek (Allium porrum L.) seeds in the Northeast of the Province of Buenos Aires, 2: Phenology, yield and quality

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine whether the local agroecological conditions of the northeast of the Province of Buenos Aires (33 deg 41 min S, 59 deg 41 min W) permit the organic production of leek (cv. Monstruoso de Carentan) seeds. In the 2000/01, 2001/02 and 2002/03 growth seasons, percentage flowering and seed yield (g m-2) and quality were recorded, the latter by determining the thousand grain weight and germination capacity. In the 2001/02 and 2002/3 seasons, the phenological stages of the crop were also determined, as well as the number of hours of cold temperatures experienced and the number of degree days. Significant differences between years were found in the number of days from 50% fruit setting to harvest, probably because three harvests were collected during the first season whereas only one was collected during the second and third. A total of 1,116 and 1,019 hours of cold temperatures and 925 and 1,127 degree days were recorded for 2001/2 and 2002/3 respectively. There were no significant differences between years for yield, percentage flowering or thousand seed weight (average values 78.53 gm-2, 93.36% and 3.55 g respectively). Differences in germination capacity were recorded, but Argentine legislative requirements were always surpassed. Seed yield and quality were comparable to figures cited in the literature. In conclusion, the agroecological conditions of the northeast of the Province of Buenos Aires allow the normal, organic cultivation of this leek cultivar for seed.