Annex White book.pdf

Βulbs without tegumentTests in natural environment (field) showed that the bulbs reach anannual production rate of approximately 3 kg per hectare at a depth of20 cm (clearly a higher rate than the rate of bulbs planted at a 10 cmdepth). This is crucial during the first two years (year 0 and 1). In thethird flowering year (year 2) production parity is observed while productionrate reverses in the following year.In Western Macedonia, planting takes place by the use of specialmachinery that enroots the bulbs at a depth of 25 cm into the ground.In Sardinia, the bulbs are planted at a depth of 15 – 20 cm.A1.3.3.3 Planting densityPlanting density is very important for the cultivation yield duringthe first year. As years pass by, planting density loses its importance.During the first year, the number of stigmas depends on the numberof flower buds, which in turn, depends on the planting density and thenumber of flower buds ( this number depends at the same time on thesize of the bulbs).The usual planting density in Castile – La Mancha is 60 bulbs persquare meter. In this way the quantity of stigmas obtained, is largerthan in usual cases (annual average: 3 kg per hectare). The efficiencyreached with higher density is more important during the first 2 years(up to the flowering time of the second year) but diminishes from thethird year and after.101