Exploration and characterization of tinombo local garlic, Central Sulawesi

Abstract

Most of Indonesia’s garlic needs are fulfilled by imported (97%). The government focuses on local garlic for seed prospects and gives a mandatory for importers to plant it to increase domestic production. Beside of using registered local varieties, it is also intended for local varieties which have not been registered, to be developed especially by local farmers. Exploration and characterization are very necessary so that the presence of local varieties of garlic in each region is known. This study aims to explore and characterize the local garlics in Central Sulawesi. The research was carried out in March 2020, located in Parigi Moutong Regency. The research used survey method, while the observations of plant morphology and agronomy using a Horticultural Plant Characterization Guidebook. The research found a local variety of garlic namely Tinombo Variety. Apart from being a cooking spice, Tinombo variety also used as a biopharmaceutical. The result of the characterization shows that Tinombo variety has light green leaf color, pale yellow flesh color, very sharp aroma, 14-21 cloves per bulb, 2-3 t/ha production while the yield potential is 7.6 t/ha. The harvest age is 5-6 months, and it is suitable in the highlands. The obstacle for farmers is the difficulty of the access to and from the field, thus the price of garlic is expensive. The cultivation technology is still conventional and does not use fertilizers. This local variety has a high chance to increase its productivity with the application of appropriate and site-specific technologies.