. Introduction
Bear garlic (Allium ursinum L.) and its value for human health have been known for centuries. Its flavorful qualities were used already in ancient times. Garlic herb and its bulbs have widely been used in folk medicine in many countries. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anthelmintic properties. Its anti-inflammatory effects are appreciated, and its effectiveness in preventing atherosclerosis and cancer is mentioned as well. Its leaves, flowers, and bulbs contain many health-promoting compounds, such as phenolic compounds. Allium ursinum is classified as a functional food. All parts of this plant are edible (Chybowski, 1997; Teklić et al., 2021; Voća et al., 2021). The leaves and bulbs are a valuable source of various metabolites with high antioxidant potential and can be essential raw material for the production of food and dietary supplements of natural origin (Gordanić et al., 2022; Krivokapić et al., 2021; Najgebauer-Lejko et al., 2022; Todorović et al., 2023; Voća et al., 2021). Bear garlic is characterized by a unique flavor and aroma, just like common garlic (Allium sativum L.). It can be used as a spice and as an ingredient in many traditional dishes (Sobolewska et al., 2015; Todorović et al., 2023; Znamirowska et al., 2018). For several years, there has been a significant increase in the interest in the cultivation of bear garlic, not only in amateur cultivation but also on a broader scale (Sobolewska, 2018). The narrow range of ecological tolerance of A. ursinum greatly hinders its cultivation (Hæggström et al., 2016; Rola, 2012). It is, therefore, essential to conduct research to develop cultivation technologies for this species in field conditions.
Allium ursinum is a bulbous plant and a typical spring geophyte. It can be found in beech and oak-hornbeam forests. It grows best under tree crowns, in semi-shaded areas, with stable soil water supply, especially in spring (Djurdjevic et al., 2004; Fijałkowski & Chojnacka-Fijałkowska, 2009; Hiyasat et al., 2009; Oborny et al., 2011; Sobolewska et al., 2015). Its vegetation is closely related to the rhythm of deciduous forest life. A. ursinum leaves emerge approximately 60 days before tree leaves (Hiyasat et al., 2009). As reported by Sobolewska et al. (2015), in natural conditions, A. ursinum reproduces mainly generatively, forming dense patches and producing numerous seeds. However, as points out by Eggert (1992), most seeds remain dormant for several years; hence, vegetative reproduction is essential. In a study conducted by Rychnovská and Bednář (1998), A. ursinum inflorescences produced an average of 2,692 seeds per 1 m2, and seedling emergence was estimated at 250 to 300 pcs ⋅ m−2. The plant reaches reproductive maturity only in the 4th–5th year of vegetation. Generative reproduction is the primary means of spreading bear garlic populations in the wild, but the survival rate of seedlings from emergence to the fourth year of life does not exceed 10% (Bierzychudek, 1982; Eggert, 1992).
A. ursinum bulbs are elongated and surrounded by translucent, delicate skin. In the third year of vegetation, an abundant root system develops. The roots shrink in autumn, embedding the bulb deep into the soil. The basis of vegetative reproduction is the resulting progeny bulbs (Eggert, 1992; Ernst, 1979; Oborny et al., 2011). In early spring, 2–3 long-tailed stubby leaves emerge from the bulb, with an egg-shaped, lanceolate, smooth blade 20–65 mm wide (Błażewicz-Woźniak, 2023; Błażewicz-Woźniak & Michowska, 2011). In Polish conditions, bear garlic most often begins growth in February/March and ends vegetation in June after flowering and releasing seeds. In a field study carried out by Błażewicz-Woźniak et al. (2011) in 2007–2009, the first leaves of garlic were recorded in March, and the beginning of flowering was recorded between April 17 and May 5, depending on the year. In June, the leaves dried out. Environmental factors play an essential role in the variability of morphological traits as well as the health properties of A. ursinum (Todorović et al., 2023). Golubkina et al. (2012) reported that sunshine caused a significant increase in the content of ascorbic acid, selenium, and flavonoids in bear garlic leaves. Amagova et al. (2022) compared the results obtained in the field cultivation of garlic with the results of the growth of this plant in the forest (natural habitat) and showed a significantly higher level of antioxidant status in the case of the environmental stress, i.e., the field conditions.
The following climate changes and increasingly frequent droughts are prompting a search for ways to support crops grown in unfavorable conditions (Mystkowska, 2018). Biostimulants offer an environmentally friendly way to meet the growing demand for food and are an excellent alternative to chemicals (Kulkarni et al., 2021). Many researchers emphasize the vital role of seaweed biopreparations in counteracting the effects of plant stressors, such as excessive sunlight, high temperature, drought, and salinity (Bulgari et al., 2019; Hassan et al., 2021; Sharma et al., 2014; Stirk et al., 2020; Truba et al., 2012). Seaweed concentrates can overcome nutritional stress in crop plants (Papenfus et al., 2013). Of these, the greatest biostimulatory properties are attributed to brown seaweeds (Kisvarga et al., 2022). These include Ecklonia maxima, the extract of which is used as the preparation Kelpak SL characterized by a high concentration of auxins (11 mg dm−3) and cytokinins (0.031 mg dm−3). On the other hand, the formulation Bio-Algeen S90 is produced from Ascophyllum nodosum. It is qualified for organic farming in Poland. It contains 90 groups of organic compounds (including numerous vitamins, alginic acid, and amino acids) (Khan et al., 2009; Mikiciuk & Dobromilska, 2014). The effectiveness of application of algae in crop cultivation depends not only on the species but also on the dose used and the number, frequency, and methods of carrying out the treatments (Bulgari et al., 2019; Matysiak et al., 2012; Mitura et al., 2014; Parađiković et al., 2019; Sharma et al., 2014).
Harvesting garlic from natural sites in Poland is limited by the fact that it has been under partial species protection since 2004 (Journal of Laws of 2004, No. 168, item 1,764). Studies undertaken to date on bear garlic cultivation in Poland have mainly used shade and irrigation, which significantly increases cultivation costs (Błażewicz-Woźniak et al., 2011; Kęsik et al., 2011). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the possibility of growing bear garlic in field conditions that differed significantly from those required by this plant, using unconventional treatments (phacelia intercrop, shade crop – rapeseed, biopreparations: Bio-Algeen S90 and Kelpak SL). This study is part of broader research, some of the results of which have already been published (Błażewicz-Woźniak, 2023), while the subject of this paper is to evaluate the effect of selected agrotechnical treatments on the yield and reproductive capacity of bear garlic grown in the field.
. Material and methods
The field experiment was carried out in 2017–2020 at the Felin Experimental Farm of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin (Poland, 22°56′E, 51°23′N) on a grey loam soil made of medium silty clay (AP) (BN-178/9180-11). Before the establishment of the experiment, an average of 1.04–1.11% humus was determined in the 0–20 cm layer of the soil, and the content of macronutrients (in mg per dm−3 of soil) was N – 69, P – 27, K – 84, Ca – 563.5, and Mg – 66. The soil pH was in the range of 5.96–6.12 pH in KCl. After pre-sowing tillage, phacelia (intercrop) was sown in half of the field on June 23, 2017. The phacelia biomass, after crushing, was mixed with the soil on September 4, providing cultivation conditions for planting garlic bulbs. Phosphorus (superphosphate) and potassium (K2SO4) fertilization were applied in autumn, while nitrogen in the form of ammonium nitrate was applied in spring. Soil nutrients were brought to a level of N:P:K 120:70:200 mg dm−3 (Kęsik et al., 2011).
The experiment was established in 3 replicates using the completely randomized block method. The repetition consisted of 15 plants growing in a plot. A. ursinum bulbs were obtained from field experiments authorized by the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection (Journal of Laws of 2012, item 81, as amended). Bulbs weighing 3.4 to 4.6 g were planted into the ground on 13.09.2017 at a depth of 10 cm, at a spacing of 30 × 30 cm. The entire soil surface was covered with a layer of pine bark in accordance with the results reported in Błażewicz-Woźniak et al. (2011, 2019). The course of weather at the time of planting the bulbs was favorable. The average decadal temperature in September 2017 was 14.0 °C, and the total precipitation was 77 mm. The factors of the experiment were intercrop (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.), shade crop (winter turnip rape Brassica campestris ssp. oleifera f. biennis), and biopreparations: Bio-Algeen S90 and Kelpak SL. The control was an untreated site. Bio-Algeen S90 was applied in the form of a spray at a rate of 2 l ha−1, while Kelpak SL was applied in the form of a spray (first at a rate of 3 l ha−1 and next at a rate of 2 l ha−1) and soaking before planting at a concentration of 0.3% for 5 minutes + spraying. Spraying was performed three times every seven days after garlic produced two leaves. Weeds were removed by hand, and no pesticides were applied. In the following three years of the study, the weight and number of bulbs produced from one bulb planted in 2017 were determined, as well as the weight of a single bulb, the weight of roots and their proportion, and the yield of leaves of A. ursinum. Garlic leaves were harvested before flowering (April 25 and May 8, 2018; April 19 and May 8, 2019; April 7 and May 7, 2020). The results obtained were statistically processed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a significance level of p = 0.05 determined by Tukey’s test. Air temperatures and rainfall during garlic vegetation in 2018–2020 are included in Table 1.
Table 1
Mean air temperatures and amount of precipitation during the experiment in years 2018–2020 in ES Felin.
. Results
Number of progeny bulbs
The number of A. ursinum progeny bulbs increased significantly in the successive years of cultivation (Table 2). From one bulb, the bear garlic planted in autumn 2017 yielded, on average 1.34, 2.84, and 9.06 bulbs in the following years, respectively, regardless of the factors of the experiment. The plowing of phacelia biomass had a positive effect on the number of garlic progeny bulbs in the second year of cultivation, and this trend was also discernible in the third year. The winter turnip rape applied as a shade crop slightly increased the number of A. ursinum progeny bulbs compared to the crop without turnip rape. This trend was recorded in 2019 and 2020. The applied biopreparations did not significantly increase the number of bulbs although, in the first and third years of cultivation, slightly more bulbs were harvested after applying Kelpak as a spray with soaking of the bulbs before planting. The analysis of the interaction of the factors of the experiment showed that the combination with the application of the phacelia catch crop and the simultaneous cultivation of the shade crop had the most favorable effect on the formation of A. ursinum progeny bulbs. The greatest numbers of miniature bulbs were produced by garlic in the combination without the catch crop and turnip rape. In all years of the study, the lowest number of progeny bulbs was obtained in the control object, i.e., in the cultivation without the catch crop, rapeseed, and application of biopreparations.
Table 2
Reproductive capacity of Allium ursinum bulbs depending on experience factors in years 2018–2020.
Weight of a single bulb
The unit weight of A. ursinum bulbs averaged 4.72 g over the years of the study (Table 3). The highest weight was recorded in 2019, and the lowest in the first year of cultivation. The plowing of phacelia biomass had a positive effect on the unit weight of A. ursinum bulbs. Statistically significant differences were noted in the first year of cultivation, and this trend was also evident in the subsequent years. The turnip rape applied as a shade crop increased the bulb weight compared to the cultivation without the turnip rape in 2018 and 2019, although these differences were not statistically confirmed. Among the applied biopreparations, the Kelpak spray proved beneficial for the unit weight of bulbs. Garlic bulbs grown in this combination had a significantly higher average weight than those grown without the biopreparations. In 2018 and 2020, a slightly higher unit weight of A. ursinum bulbs was recorded after the application of the Bioalgeen spray, but the differences were not significant compared to the other combinations. The analysis of the interaction of factors revealed that the weight of A. ursinum bulbs was most favorably affected by the combination with the application of the phacelia catch crop and the simultaneous cultivation of the shade crop or without the turnip rape. The most negligible average bulb weight was produced by garlic in combination without the catch crop and rapeseed. However, these differences were not statistically confirmed. The unit weight of bulbs was negatively correlated with their number (Table 4).
Table 3
Influence of experimental factors on the weight of 1 garlic bulb without roots 2018–2020.
Table 4
Correlation coefficient for the tested yield and reproduction parameters of Allium ursinum.
Percentage of roots
The weight of roots produced by garlic bulbs accounted for an average of 27.89% of the bulb weight with roots (Table 5). The highest share of roots was recorded in the first year of cultivation (31.36%). In the second year, the share decreased slightly, while in the third year, it was significantly lower (23.80%). The plowing of phacelia biomass did not affect this trait. The turnip rape used as a shade crop significantly increased the proportion of roots compared to the crop without turnip rape, and this was statistically confirmed in 2018 and 2019. Of the biopreparations used, the Kelpak spray combined with bulb soaking proved beneficial for root development in 2018 and 2019 as well as the Bioalgeen spray in 2020, but these differences were not statistically confirmed. The analysis of the interaction of the factors of the experiment showed that the combination with the application of the phacelia catch crop and the simultaneous cultivation of the shade crop had the most favorable effect on the growth of A. ursinum roots, but turnip rape without the catch crop. However, these differences were not statistically confirmed. The lowest percentage of roots (19.83%) was recorded in 2019 in the control plot. The percentage of roots was negatively correlated with the number of progeny bulbs (Table 4).
Table 5
Influence of experimental factors on the percentage of A. ursinum root mass 2018–2020.
Yield of bulbs
The yield of A. ursinum bulbs from all years of the study averaged 110.02 g m−2 (Table 6). The yield increased significantly in the subsequent years of cultivation and was the highest in 2020 (194.33 g). The plowing of phacelia biomass had a positive effect on the yield of garlic bulbs. Statistically significant differences were recorded for the entire cultivation period, and this trend was noticeable in all study years. The turnip rape applied as a shade crop increased the bulb yield compared to the cultivation without turnip rape in all years of cultivation, although these differences were not statistically confirmed. Of the biopreparations used, the Kelpak spray combined with pre-soaking of the bulbs proved beneficial for the yield of A. ursinum bulbs. The analysis of the interaction of the factors of the experiment revealed that the most favorable effect on the yield of A. ursinum bulbs was observed in the combination with the application of the phacelia catch crop and the simultaneous cultivation of the shade crop or without turnip rape. The lowest bulb yield was obtained in the combination without the catch crop and rapeseed. However, these differences were not statistically confirmed. In all years of the study, the most negligible bulb yield was obtained in the control object, i.e., in the cultivation without the catch crop, turnip rape, and application of biopreparations. The yield of garlic bulbs was positively correlated with the number of progeny bulbs, unit bulb weight, and leaf yield and negatively correlated with root weight (Table 4).
Table 6
Influence of experimental factors on the yield of A. ursinum bulbs 2018–2020.
Leaf yield
The leaf yield of A. ursinum from all years of the study averaged 140.93 g m−2 (Table 7). The yield increased significantly in the subsequent years of cultivation and was the highest in 2020 (278.26 g). The plowing of phacelia biomass had a positive effect on the yield of A. ursinum leaves, although there were statistically confirmed differences only in 2019. The turnip rape applied as a shade crop significantly increased the leaf yield of A. ursinum compared to the crop without turnip rape on average in the three years of the study. Of the biopreparations used, a slightly higher leaf yield of A. ursinum was harvested upon the use of the Kelpak spray combined with pre-wetting of bulbs, and the lowest without application of the biopreparation. The analysis of the interaction of the factors of the experiment showed no statistically significant differences, although the application of the catch crop and the shade crop increased the leaf yield of A. ursinum compared to the crop without the catch crop and turnip rape. On average, during the three years, the lowest leaf yield was obtained in the control object, i.e., in the cultivation without the catch crop, rapeseed, and application of biopreparations. This trend was observed in 2018 and 2020. The leaf yield of A. ursinum was correlated positively with the number of progeny bulbs and bulb yield, slightly with the bulb unit weight, and negatively with the root weight (Table 4).
Table 7
Influence of experimental factors on the yield of A. ursinum leaves in 2018–2020.
. Discussion
Number of progeny bulbs
Bear garlic produces progeny bulbs. In this way, it can be propagated vegetatively. As reported by Ernst (1979), the most critical factors necessary for the reproduction of A. ursinum are light and phosphorus supply. In the experiment conducted, the number of progeny bulbs increased significantly in the successive years of cultivation. From one bulb of bear garlic planted in the autumn of 2017, on average 1.34, 2.84, and 9.06 bulbs were obtained regardless of the factors of the experiment in the subsequent years, respectively. As shown by Heinrichs et al. (2018), increasing the length of the growing season over time promotes the growth of juveniles and the formation of progeny bulbs of A. ursinum. The plowing of phacelia biomass had a beneficial effect on the number of garlic progeny bulbs in the second and third years of cultivation. Numerous studies have demonstrated the advantages of blue phacelia as a catch crop for improving soil fertility, structure, and nutrient abundance (Błażewicz-Woźniak & Konopiński, 2013; Błażewicz-Woźniak & Wach, 2012; Kęsik et al., 2002). The positive effect of intercrops on soil moisture and soil reserves, which persisted throughout the growing season, was noted by Konopiński et al. (2001). Although there was no statistically significant effect of the biopreparations on the number of A. ursinum progeny bulbs, slightly more bulbs were harvested in the first and third years of cultivation after applying Kelpak as a spray with soaking of the bulbs before planting. In potato cultivation, it is recommended that seed potatoes be soaked for 5 minutes in 0.2–0.4% Kelpak SL or sprayed during planting with 0.5% liquid (Mitura et al., 2014). In a study conducted by Mystkowska (2018), the biostimulants used in the experiment increased potato yields by an average of 1.6 t ha−1.
Weight of a single bulb
The highest unit weight of A. ursinum bulbs was recorded in 2019, and the lowest in the first year of cultivation. As reported by Todorović et al. (2023), there is a positive correlation between bulb length and plant age. In a study conducted by Kęsik et al. (2011), the average weight of bear garlic bulbs after three years of cultivation ranged from 5.9 to 9.8 g. In the experiment conducted, the plowing of phacelia biomass and the use of rapeseed as a shade crop had a positive effect on the unit weight of A. ursinum bulbs, which can explain the advantages of phacelia as a catch crop. Of the biopreparations used, the Kelpak spray proved beneficial. Khan et al. (2009) believe that seaweed extracts improve nutrient uptake by roots. A result of better root system efficiency and nutrition is better plant growth. The negative correlation between the number and weight of bulbs can also explain this issue. In a study carried out by Aremu et al. (2015), phenolic compounds isolated from the seaweed Ecklonia maxima increased the size of Eucomis autumnalis bulbs. In the present experiment, a slightly higher unit weight of A. ursinum bulbs was recorded after the Bioalgeen spray application in 2018 and 2020. In a study conducted by Abbas et al. (2020), the application of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (SWE) significantly affected the bulb weight and yield of four bulb varieties. A maximum increase in the bulb weight of 5.8, 5.4, 2.4, and 2.0% was observed in Lambada, Red Bone, Phulkara, and Nasar puri cultivars, respectively, at the 0.5% concentration of the preparation (SWE). SWE at the 0.5 and 1% concentrations significantly increased bulb weight, 2% SWE had no effect, while 3% SWE caused a reduction in weight in the Lambada variety.
Percentage of roots
The weight of roots produced by the garlic bulbs accounted for an average of 27.89% of the bulb weight with roots. The roots contributed the most in the first year of cultivation and the least in the third year. As demonstrated by Eggert (1992), the development of contractile roots in A. ursinum occurs around the third year of vegetation, and their number is an essential indicator of the developmental stage. Of the biopreparations used, the Kelpak spray combined with bulb soaking proved beneficial for root development in 2018 and 2019 as well as the Bioalgeen spray in 2020. The negative correlation between the proportion of root mass and the number and unit weight of bulbs can explain this finding. In a study conducted by Szczepanek et al. (2017), the application of Kelpak SL at a dose of 2 + 2 + 2 dm3 ha−1 had a positive effect on the length and weight of bulb roots. As suggested by Kurepin et al. (2014), the stimulation of root system growth by algal extracts is related to the action of phytohormones. In cultivation of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), Papenfus et al. (2013) found that seedlings treated with Kelpak®; had longer shoots and produced more roots and fresh and dry matter (Papenfus et al., 2013). Khan et al. (2009) emphasize that the effect of Ascophyllum nodosum application on root development depends on the plant species and the concentration of the preparation. Abbas et al. (2020) reported a maximum increase in root weight of bulb in cultivars Nasar puri by 92.7%, ‘Red Bone’ by 73.4%, ‘Phulkara’ by 65.2%, and ‘Lambada’ by 16.6% at a concentration of 0.5% SWE compared to the control. At higher concentrations, the response of the bulb varieties varied.
Yield of bulbs
The yield of A. ursinum bulbs increased significantly in the successive crop years and was the highest in 2020. The plowing of phacelia biomass had a positive effect on the yield of garlic bulbs, which can be explained by the beneficial effect of the intercrop on soil moisture and structure (Błażewicz-Woźniak et al., 2022; Błażewicz-Woźniak & Konopiński, 2013). Based on the results of their study, Gordanić et al. (2022) found that A. ursinum grew best when grown on chernozem, although it is also possible to grow it on other soils. Of the biopreparations used, the Kelpak spray combined with pre-soaking of the bulbs proved beneficial for the yield of A. ursinum bulbs. Bulb losses should explain the lowest yield harvested in the combination with Kelpak spraying without soaking. In a study conducted by Szczepanek et al. (2017), the application of Kelpak SL seaweed extract had a beneficial effect on bulb growth. The most significant increase in the yield of fresh weight of bulbs and fresh weight of roots occurred after the biostimulant was applied three times at the three- or four-leaf stage. The beneficial effect of the algal biostimulant on plants can be explained by an increase in the rate of CO2 assimilation and the rate of water use efficiency in photosynthesis (Mikiciuk & Dobromilska, 2014). Xu and Leskovar (2015) showed that, in drought-stress conditions, seaweed extracts enhanced spinach growth by improving water relations in the leaves. Osman et al. (2021) showed that spraying with Ascophyllum nodosum at a concentration of 1 ml l−1 had the best effect on the growth and yield of green garlic in reclaimed sandy soil. Foliar spraying with A. nodosum resulted in the highest total yield and the highest weight and diameter of garlic bulbs at harvest. In a study carried out by Abbas et al. (2020), the application of the 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% concentrations of SWE resulted in a significant increase in the yield of four bulb varieties per unit area.
Leaf yield
Garlic leaves were harvested before flowering, as they become phloem-like and less palatable later. During this period, the leaves are typically harvested for consumption (Błażewicz-Woźniak, 2023). Harvesting the leaves of garlic before the flowering period is optimal for their biological value and the content of active substances (more than 0.4% of the sum of cysteine sulfoxides) (Schmitt et al., 2005). As shown by Hiyasat et al. (2009), the aboveground biomass peaks within six weeks. In the present experiment, the leaf yield of A. ursinum increased significantly in the successive crop years and was the highest in 2020. As reported by Todorović et al. (2023), the growth of this plant is slow in the first two years; rapid growth begins in the third year and continues until the fifth year, after which the growth slows down again. The plowing of phacelia biomass had a positive effect on the A. ursinum leaf yield, although statistically confirmed differences were noted only in 2019. Turnip rape applied as a shade plant significantly increased the leaf yield of A. ursinum compared to the crop without turnip rape on average for the three years of the study. Regardless of the year of the study, the rosettes of A. ursinum growing with the turnip rape were on average 2.3% higher in April, while in May, they were 5.9% higher than those growing without the seedling (Błażewicz-Woźniak, 2023). The positive effect of the shade crop on the leaf yield was particularly evident in 2020. In a study carried out by Golubkin et al. (2012), the green matter yield of A. ursinum was 88.8 g m−2 when grown in the sun and 118.2 g m−2 when grown in the shade. The beneficial effect of the turnip rape as a shade plant indicates the possibility of using this type of natural plant cover, as it increases biodiversity and is an alternative to shade trees used in horticulture (Błażewicz-Woźniak, 2023). In the catch cropping of A. ursinum and Armoracia rusticana, Amagova et al. (2022) recorded mutual growth stimulation of both species. The biomass of garlic increased 1.28 times, and the biomass of horseradish root increased 1.7 times. In the present experiment, among the applied biopreparations, on average for three years, a slightly higher leaf yield of A. ursinum was harvested using the Kelpak spray combined with pre-wetting of bulbs, and the lowest yield was recorded in the variant without the application of biopreparations. A Kelpak spray had a positive effect on onion leaf growth in a study performed by Szczepanek et al. (2017).
. Conclusion
The plowing of phacelia biomass had a beneficial effect on the number of A. ursinum progeny bulbs, the unit weight of bulbs and their yield per unit area, and the leaf yield not only in the first year of cultivation but also in the follow-up. The turnip rape applied as a shade crop caused a slight increase in the unit weight of bulbs and their yield in the first and second years of cultivation and in the number of progeny bulbs in the second and third years of cultivation. The cultivation of A. ursinum with turnip rape increased the percentage of garlic root weight and leaf yield. There was a positive effect of the applied biopreparations on the studied traits of A. ursinum bulb yield and leaf yield and on the formation of progeny bulbs in relation to the control object. The analysis of the interaction of the factors of the experiment revealed that the combination with the application of the phacelia catch crop and the simultaneous cultivation of the shade crop had the most favorable effect on A. ursinum progeny bulb formation, bulb unit weight, root system development, and leaf yield. In all years of the study, the worst effect was obtained in the control object, i.e., in the cultivation without the catch crop, rapeseed, and application of biopreparations. The evaluation of the results of the yield and reproduction of A. ursinum bulbs allows us to conclude that it is possible to grow the plant in field conditions that are even significantly different from the requirements of this species if appropriate, even unconventional, agrotechnical treatments are applied.
