Garlic extract improves budbreak of the 'Niagara Rosada' grapevines on sub-tropical regions

In the regions with mild winters, usually the chilling requirements for bud dormancy release of grapevines are not fulfilled, and only the highly toxic products CaCN2 (calcium cyanamide) and H2CN2 (hydrogen cyanamide) are recommended in conventional viticulture for budbreak. The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of garlic extract on budbreak of 'Niagara Rosada' grapevines in two different vineyards. The highest dose of garlic extract (70mL L-1) showed a great potential for budbreak in organic production, presenting similar effects of cyanamides in budbreak. This treatment improved the sprouting percentage, number of clusters, accelerated the beginning of sprouting and reduced the cycle between pruning and harvest.