CULTURAL CYCLE AND FLOWERING OF THE SHALL OT - ALLIUM-CEPA L VAR AGGREGATUM (CVS MIKOR ET JERMOR)

The flowering percentage and the number oi flowering stems per bulb of 'Mikor and ''Jenmor, two clones of Jersey shallot (Allium cepa L. var . aggregatum) cultivated in field, were assessed during two growing se asons, in relation with bulb storage conditions and the planting date. When ''Jermor bulbs were planted in mid-october alter storage at ambi ant temperature or at 30 degrees C, they exceptionally flowered. Under the same conditions, ''Mikor expressed a high percentage of flowerind and the bulb bears numerous buds that flower in a random and independ ent way. The storage of ''Mikor bulbs at 30 degrees C, before an octob er planting, intensifies blooming but after planting, i.e. in december or february, ii strongly reduces and finally suppresses flowering. Th ese data during two successive years suggest that blooming is preceded by a sequence of physiological states which the bulbs must run throug h late planting in the field and the lack of cold after planting would be unfavourable conditions for 'Mikor flowering and extended storage at 30 degrees C reinforces this effect.