Objective:
Objective 1) Correlate the yield and qualities of 10 distinct garlic cultivars with growth environment, inputs, quality, and chemical composition data. Objective 2) Increase public awareness of garlic diversity. Objective 3) Develop name recognition and appreciation for selected varietal garlics. Objective 4) Attract new growers to this profitable niche commodity.

Approach:
Garlic is a profitable crop for small to medium-sized vegetable farmers in the North east (NE). Despite the increasing market for specialty garlics it is remarkable how little is known about the diverse types of garlic available in the U.S. Farmers need to know which garlic types perform well under their growing conditions, and they need reliable descriptors to publicize these types to their customers. In this proposal, vegetable farmers will use sustainable practices to perform the first multi-year garlic variety trial. We will determine how 10 garlic types respond to cultural practices across multiple farms in the U.S.