STUDY OF NEW CULTIVARS OF ARTICHOKES WITH SEXUAL PROPAGATION PLURIANNUAL CYCLE

Abstract

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a highly important crop in Murcia's agriculture. In this Spanish region, the main variety grown is the 'Blanca de Tudela' destined for both the fresh market and industry. Although globe artichoke is a pluriannual plant, virus impact or vegetative degeneration, which affect to de growing vigour and lack of production and quality, makes it advisable to renew the vegetative material yearly or every two years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the most important characteristics of artichoke hybrids cultivar compared with open pollination artichokes. The commercial cultivars used were: 'Concerto F1', 'Madrigal F1', 'Opal F1', 'Green Globe', 'Imperial Star', 'A-116' and 'Lorca'. We compared seed grown artichokes with the commercial variety of 'Blanca de Tudela', the most traditional and widely spread cultivar in Spain, which is vegetatively propagated. The vegetative growth parameters which were studied and quantified were yield, quality, production continuity during the assay and its capacity to keep characteristics through an annual or biannual cultivation cycle (most common in this area). The trials were carried out at an Experimental farm located in Fortuna-Abanilla (38°11' N, 1°04' W, Murcia, Spain). Planting took place on late July. The plantation frame was 1.2 m between plants and 1.5 m between lines. Drip irrigation and fertirrigation were used. No phyto-hormones which can affect the vegetative growth or bring forward the harvest date were applied. From the obtained results we can conclude that the vigour, early or lately production of head weight are significantly different between ‘Blanca de Tudela’ and the seeds propagated cultivars.