Effect of humic acid application on accumulation of mineral nutrition and pungency in garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Humic acid promote the conservation of mineral nutritions and as well as stimulate the pungency usually being more prominent in the cloves of garlic bulb. The effect of humic acid application on accumulation of mineral nutritions and pungency in garlic (Allium sativum L.) cv. ‘Gangajali’ was studied. Here, we observed that the maximum concentration of Ca, Fe and S were shown when plants were treated with 400 ppm humic acid. While, in the case of Mg, P and Zn content, the maximum values were observed by application of 200 ppm humic acid. The maximum concentration of K, Cu, Mn were observed when plants were treated with 300 ppm humic acid. Regarding, pungency, content was determined as pyruvic acid development significantly increased with increase in concentration of humic acid applications. Our results also showed significant positive correlations between Mg and P, Mg and Zn, P and Zn, Cu and PAD, and S and PAD, respectively. Based on average values and ANOVA of overall variables, the highest result was observed by application of 300 ppm of humic acid followed by 400 and 200 ppm of humic acid, which may be the proper value addition in garlic bulb by enhancing the mineral nutritions and pyruvic acid development that needs to be studied in the future. Key words: Allium sativum L., humic acid, mineral nutritions, pungency.