EFFECT OF ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL PRODUCTION METHODS ON SOME DIFFERENT GLOBE ARTICHOKE (Cynara scolymus, L.) VARIETIES

Abstract

This study was carried out at Kaha Horticulture Research Farm during the two successive seasons of 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 to study the effect of perennial and annual methods of production on growth and yield of some globe artichoke varieties. The treatments included two different production methods; i.e., annual planting and perennial planting in addition to six varieties; i.e. , Balady and Hyrious (local varieties),Green Globe ,Kiss of Burgundy ,Purple of Romagna and Violet Star(new varieties which were introduced in Egypt). A split system in randomized blocks design with three replicates was used in this study. The obtained results can be summarized as follow: 1- The perennial production method surpassed significantly annual production method in number of offshoots /plant, plant height and leaves number/plant. 2- Also, perennial production method led to increasing early and total yield of the local varieties i.e. Balady and Hyrious as well as total yield of the introduced varieties i.e. Green Globe, Kiss of Burgundy, Purple of Romagna and Violet Star. In addition, it improved the tested head quality, i.e., head weight, head diameter and receptacle weight, besides increasing significantly nitrogen and protein percentage in the receptacle. 3- Balady and Hyrious varieties have the highest number of offshoots per plant, leaves number/plant and early yield, while Balady var. is characterized by the highest potassium percentage in its receptacle, but Hyrious var. contained the highest nitrogen and protein percentage in its receptacle. 4- Green Globe and Kiss of Burgundy varieties produced the highest plant height, total yield, head weight, head diameter and receptacle weight, but concerning chemical composition, receptacle of Green Globe variety contains the highest phosphorus percentage. 5- Using perennial method of production with Hyrious var. produced the highest number of offshoots, early yield, and nitrogen and protein percentage. Balady var. followed Hyrious var. in these traits. 6- Kiss of Burgandy and Green Globe varieties produced the highest head weight and head diameter when perennial method of production was used, while Green Globe was superior in head weight, but Kiss of Burgundy was superior in head length.