Globe Artichoke Cultivars Research Articles

Using Mannitol as Drought Stress Agent on Globe Artichoke [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori

The globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori], one of the special members of the Asteraceae family, has been consumed by people for their culinary and health advantages since ancient times. Global agricultural output and production efficiency are both hampered by adverse environmental conditions, notably drought. In order to promote breeding studies, it is crucial to use plants that are adaptable to drought stress, which negatively impacts plant productivity. It is crucial to understand the changes taking place in plants under drought stress. In the present study, artichoke seeds were initially kept in mannitol, which is a commonly used drought stress agent, in three different concentrations (50, 100, and 250 mg L-1) for 8 hours and later on obtained seedlings were subjected to same mannitol concentrations with 15 days intervals. Later on some seed germination and vegetative growth parameters, such as number of leaves, root length, stem height, plant height, chlorophyll, proline, leaf-related water contents, and total phenol-antioxidant contents in three globe artichoke cultivars (Sakız OP, Bayrampaşa OP, and Olympus F1) were investigated under drought stress. Results revealed that the impact of drought stress on artichoke seeds and seedlings varied depending on cultivars and pre-treatment and treatment concentrations.

Polyphenolic Compound Variation in Globe Artichoke Cultivars as Affected by Fertilization and Biostimulants Application.

Globe artichoke is an ancient herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean Basin. The edible part of the plant is limited to the fleshy leaves (bracts) and receptacle of a large immature inflorescence (head) that has been shown to be a rich source of bioactive compounds. Nutritional and pharmacological properties of artichoke heads and leaves are attributed mainly to polyphenolic compounds and inulin present at high concentration. In this study, polyphenols were investigated in two artichoke cultivars (Opal and Madrigal) in response to four nitrogen rates and foliar applications of biostimulating products under drip irrigation. Field experiments were carried out over two growing seasons (2015–2016, 2016–2017) in Policoro (MT), Southern Italy, on a deep clay soil in sub-humid climate conditions. Phenolic compounds were isolated and characterized by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) analysis. In both cultivars, caffeoylquinic acids were more abundant when a dose of 100 kg ha−1 of ammonium nitrate was provided, whereas apigenins were not affected by nitrogen fertilization. Luteolins increased in cv Opal and decreased in cv Madrigal following N fertilization. The application of biostimulants (3 L ha−1) favored the accumulation of polyphenols, in particular of caffeoylquinic acids and apigenin, in artichoke heads in both cultivars. The results obtained highlight some positive aspects related to the synergistic effect of nitrogen fertilization and biostimulant foliar application.

Assessment of The Phenolic and Flavonoid Content in Certain Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) Cultivars Grown in Northern Tunisia

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a worldwide popular horticultural crop. Interest in assessing bioactive compounds with potential health benefits in artichoke is increasing. Therefore, in this study, the variability in total phenolic and flavonoid contents of six artichoke cultivars, including five purple namely Brindisie, Opal, Conserto, Romanesco and Rouge de France as well as an ordinary white artichoke variety were investigated. The results showed significant differences in total phenolic and flavonoid contents between artichoke cultivars. Total phenolic content ranged from 17.31 mg GAE/ g DW in the white artichoke variety to 21.31 mg GAE/g DW in Romanesco. Flavonoid content ranged from 4.51 mg RE/g DW in white artichoke to 7.06 mg RE/g DW in Rouge de France. Therefore, the highest total phenolic content was shown by Romanesco. However, the highest flavonoid content was recorded for both Opal and Rouge de France. This study demonstrates the importance of genotypic variability in shaping the levels of total phenolic and flavonoid, emphasizing the need to evaluate artichoke biodiversity in order to improve its nutritional value and to contribute towards increasing the intake of antioxidants.

Effects of Callus Cell Suspension Cultures and Elicitor Applications on Bioactive Components in Globe Artichoke [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori

Globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] has many health-protecting properties due to its valuable bioactive components which are not stable and produced in high amounts in the raw plant material in nature. These bioactive components that gaining interest can be increased thanks to the contribution of valuable in vitro techniques, such as callus and cell suspension cultures, and various new applications such as elicitor treatments. Present study aimed to determined bioactive components in three globe artichoke cultivars by using callus cell suspension cultures in various media combinations and by applying two elicitor treatments, namely methyl jasmonate and chitosan, at 3 different concentrations (methyl jasmonate 50 µM, 100 µM, and 200 µM; chitosan 200 mg L-1, 400 mg L-1, and 800 mg L-1) with 3 different application durations (24h, 48h, and 72h). The bioactive compounds profile of cultivars was determined by HPLC-DAD. Obtained results clearly revealed that using well-balanced concentrations of auxin: cytokinin (1:1 or 10:1) in a media composition is a must for triggering the callus formation process for globe artichoke. Results also showed that accumulated bioactive components and their amounts varied based on cultivars. Experiment results revealed that different types of elicitors other than methyl jasmonate and chitosan, or different doses of elicitors and application durations should be used/tested to get desired levels of bioactive components. The findings of the present study may play a supportively and complementarily mission in several important fields such as agriculture, and pharmaceutical engineering.

Evaluation of Proline, Chlorophyll, and Carotenoid Contents of Two Globe Artichokes [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] Leaves Based on the Growing Season

Globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori], a member of the Asteraceae family, has been known since ancient times. Edible parts of this valuable vegetable are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols as well as possessing healing properties against certain diseases. When the life cycle of plants is taken into consideration, the processes which are highly affected by environmental conditions are photosynthesis and cell growth. Chlorophyll level is known as a good indicator of the photosynthesis of plants. Carotenoids, one of the important functions of which protects chlorophyll from photo-oxidation, can prevent the destruction of chlorophyll. Therefore, chlorophyll and carotenoids play an important role in photosynthesis and the protection of photosynthetic pathways against harmful free radicals. The proline concentration present in various plants is increased in many different stress conditions, such as cold, temperature, salinity, drought, UV, and heavy metals, thus, providing better tolerance to stress conditions. The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the proline, chlorophyll (a and b), and carotenoid contents of the young and mature leaves of two OP cultivars (Bayrampaşa and Sakız) based on different growing seasons. Obtained results demonstrated that there were differences between two OP artichoke cultivars based on the growing season and young and mature leaves with regards to proline, chlorophyll (a and b), and carotenoid contents. Findings revealed that proline and chlorophyll b levels in autumn were quite promising, while in terms of chlorophyll a and carotenoid levels winter was prominent. Regarding the young and mature leaves, high proline and chlorophyll a levels were found to be dominant in young leaves. On the other hand, chlorophyll b and carotenoid were more accumulated in mature leaves. Turkey has several other globe artichoke cultivars and the findings of the present study may play a supportive role in determining proline, chlorophyll (a and b), and carotenoid contents for combating several environmental stress factors.

The Influence of Flower Head Order and Gibberellic Acid Treatment on the Hydroxycinnamic Acid and Luteolin Derivatives Content in Globe Artichoke Cultivars.

Flower head orders and the use of GA3 (gibberellic acid) treatment could be two influencing factors determining the bioactive compound levels in artichoke, but little to no information is available about their effects. In this study, we have therefore evaluated the influence of these factors on the hydroxycinnamic acid and luteolin derivative levels in three categories of artichoke: Seed-propagated open-pollinated cultivars; vegetatively propagated cultivars; and seed-propagated hybrids. The hydroxycinnamic acids and luteolin derivatives were quantified by RP-HPLC-DAD. The average flower head weight was the lowest in tertiary heads and GA3-treated artichokes, followed by secondary and main heads. Moreover, the hydroxycinnamic acid and luteolin derivatives levels were significantly higher in tertiary heads than in secondary or main heads. In addition, the GA3 treatment significantly reduced the hydroxycinnamic acid content and, in contrast, improved luteolin derivatives levels. These effects depended on the flower head order and cultivar. Knowledge of the effects of flower head order and GA3 treatment is therefore key in order to achieve the greatest health-benefits from artichoke consumption.

Growth, Yield and Quality of Two Globe Artichoke Cultivars as Affected by Gibberellic Acid, Naphthalene Acetic Acid, Benzyle Amino Purine and Seaweed Extract

Two field experiments were carried out during the two successive seasons (2016 - 2017 and 2017- 2018), in a private Farm, at Seedy Ghazi- Kafr El Dawar, Behiera Governorate, Egypt. The objectives of this work are to evaluate the outcomes of using gibberellic acid (30 and 60 ppm), naphthalene acetic acid (25 and 50 ppm),6-N benzyl adenine purine (20 and 30 ppm) and seaweed extract (1 and 2 g / L) on growth, yield and quality of globe artichoke cv. 'French' and 'Balady' under Behiera Governorate environment. The obtained results of the two seasons revealed that French cultivar showed higher mean values of plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of branches, fresh and dry weight, nitrogen and protein in leaves. However, Balady cultivar showed high values of number of early head / plant and number of early head /feddan, total head / plant, number of total head /feddan, weight of edible part/ plant and potassium in leaves. Spraying artichoke plant suing gibberellic acid, naphthalene acetic acid, N-6-benzyle amino purine and seaweed extract with all concentrations showed significant effect on the almost vegetative growth characteristics, yield and its components and chemical characteristics of leaves with different magnitude compared to control treatment. In this respect, gibberellic acid was superior in the case of vegetative growth and early yield characteristics. However, seaweed extract and 6-N benzyl adenine purine gave the highest mean values of total yield and chemical characteristics of leaves. The combined treatment of Balady cultivar and either seaweed extract at 2 g / L or N-6-benzyle amino purine at 30 ppm recorded the maximum mean values of the studied characters and might be considered as an optimal treatment for the production of high yield and good quality of globe artichoke plants.

EVALUATION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM SOME GLOBE ARTICHOKE [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] CULTIVARS BASED ON LEAF POSITION AND DIFFERENT PLANT DEVELOPMENT STAGE

In recent years, the use of globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] heads have increased in the pharmaceutical field and the active ingredient of many herbal medicines, especially globe artichoke leaves are considered as waste material, thrown away to nature, resulting with environmental pollution, in some countries. The present study is, thus, conducted to evaluate the phenolic compounds in the leaves of two globe artichoke cultivars as well as their change in different months. Globe artichoke leaves were harvested monthly, according to their positions as inner and outer (young and mature leaves, respectively). Leaf samples were dried and extracted using 70% methanolic extraction solvent and quantitatively analyzed at HPLC-DAD. Findings revealed that there were differences between cultivars and leaf positions as inner and outer and also among different plant development stage, in terms of content of bioactive components. Flavonoid levels in February were quite promising, while in terms of other phenolic compounds, December and January were prominent. Regarding the leaf positions, high flavonoid levels were dominant in inner leaves. The findings of the study can be beneficial for using globe artichoke leaf content in nutraceutical and pharmacological applications due to their high level of phenolics and should not be treated as waste material.

Callogenesis optimization of some globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] cultivars based on in vivo and in vitro leaf explants

Globe artichoke’s [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] leaves are rich in polyphenols and due to health-promoting properties artichoke growing has been gaining interest. Optimization and development of valuable bioactive components, which are not in the standard amount in raw material can be achieved and increased with the assistance of in vitro techniques such as callus and subsequently cell suspension cultures. Therefore, in the present study in vitro callogenesis optimization of three globe artichoke cultivars was studied by using 29 different media combinations, based on basic Gamborg B5 medium supplemented with various concentrations of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and Kinetin. Comparisons were made on the basis of using in vivo and in vitro leaves as explant material. In the experiment several parameters such as leaf explants development (%), callus formation (%), and callus weight (g) were assessed for each related cultivar. Results revealed that having auxin: cytokinin concentrations together at enough and well-balanced, having equal amounts or 10:1 concentrations of auxin: cytokinin, concentrations in media combinations are indispensable for stimulating the callogenesis in globe artichoke. The findings of the present study clearly revealed that, there were differences among cultivars regarding callus induction by using in vivo and in vitro leaf explants while in vivo leaf explants came into prominence regarding callus formation and weights. It is assumed that the findings of the present study may play a complementary and auxiliary role in several areas such as pharmaceutical engineering of globe artichoke.

Nitrogen efficiency and yield responses of two ‘early’ globe artichoke cultivars to nitrogen fertilization

Nitrogen efficiency and yield responses of two ‘early’ globe artichoke cultivars to nitrogen fertilization

Insect pollinators improve seed production in globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus)

AbstractThe role of many insect species in crop pollination has been widely studied. The use of entomophilous pollination, commonly adopted for other crops, may be of key importance in order to improve seed yields in seed‐propagated globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) cultivars. In this regard, in a 2‐year field experiment, the role of two honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica and A. mellifera siciliana) and one bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) was evaluated on the seed production of two globe artichoke cultivars in caged‐protected environments. Overall, the number and weight of seeds plant−1 and head−1, 1,000 seed weight and fruit setting were higher in caged plants with imposed pollination than open field plants. The pollination efficiency was both insect and cultivar dependent. Both honeybee species performed better on the Mediterranean cultivar ‘Violetto di Sicilia’, while the bumblebee performed better on the Brazilian cultivar ‘NP4’. These results could be very useful to modernise the agronomic management of globe artichoke and reduce the costs of cultivation. In addition, such knowledge can be used to improve the seed production in globe artichoke seed‐propagated cultivars and cardoon. This will benefit the bioenergy, nutraceutical, cosmetic and ornamental applications.

Minerals profile of two globe artichoke cultivars as affected by NPK fertilizer regimes

Globe artichoke is a proven source of various minerals (such as K, Fe and Zn) in the Mediterranean diet, but their content in response to fertilizer regime has not yet been investigated sufficiently. Thus, we monitored the effect of two contrasting nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium (NPK) fertilizer regimes (one balanced and the other excessive) on the minerals accumulation of ‘Apollo’ and ‘Tema 2000’ cultivars, grown in three Sicilian locations (‘Landolina’, ‘Iannarello’ and ‘Zotto’) - South Italy. Except for total nitrogen, the balanced fertilizer regime favoured the accumulation of both macro- and micro-minerals, but with a different extent depending especially on trial location. Particularly, plants grown at ‘Iannarello’ responded more strongly to the fertilizer regime with respect to K, P, Ca, Fe and Zn accumulation, as a result of its different soil characteristics than the other locations. Providing a balanced supply of nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium via fertilization can enhance the nutritive value of globe artichoke, but taking into account especially soil characteristics.

Biochemical characterization and antioxidant activities of the edible part of globe artichoke cultivars grown in Tunisia

ABSTRACTA renewed interest has been observed recently in globe artichoke as a promising source of polyphenols, a heterogeneous class of secondary metabolites characterized by various well-documented healthy properties. However, only few studies have characterized Tunisian cultivars. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the chemical parameters [fatty acids (FAs), volatiles, and phenolic derivatives content] in the edible part, the receptacle, of two globe artichoke cultivars (‘Violet d’Hyéres’ and ‘Blanc d’Oran’), including their antioxidant activities. The FA profiles of the receptacles showed that the most abundant acids were linoleic and palmitic ones. Forty-one volatile compounds, accounting for 97.6–96.3% of the receptacle aroma emission, were identified. Sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons represented the main chemical class; in particular β-selinene, followed by β-caryophyllene, reached the highest levels in ‘Violet d’Hyéres’ (48.7% and 14.5%, respectively). Total phenols and tannins (p ≤ 0.05), o-diphenols and flavonoids (p ≤ 0.01) were significantly higher in the receptacles of ‘Violet d’Hyéres’ cultivar (73.0, 17.2, 15.4, and 12.2 mg 100 g−1 of fresh weight, respectively). The antioxidant activity was notably phenolic derivatives content-dependent, where higher values were observed in the ‘Violet d’Hyéres’ cultivar. Results suggested that globe artichoke receptacles could represent a good source of health-promoting polyphenols with high antioxidant activity and this fact could encourage their consumption. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the variation of the considered compounds in other Tunisian cultivars.

Yield, mineral and polyphenolic composition of two seed-propagated globe artichoke cultivars

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L. Fiori) is a traditional component of the Mediterranean diet, it is considered a rich source of phenolic compounds. Globe artichoke production is traditionally based on vegetatively propagated varietal types. As for pathologic and economic disadvantages of the former multiplication method, Italian artichoke breeding programs have produced some potential seed propagated hybrids. An experiment was conducted to assess the yield, mineral and polyphenolic profiles of two potential seed-propagated F1 hybrid 'Istar' and 'Romolo'. The artichoke yield recorded on 'Romolo' was significantly higher by 33% in comparison to 'Istar'. The N and K concentrations were significantly lower by 25.5% and higher by 10.1%, respectively, in 'Romolo' in comparison to 'Istar'. Among the macronutrients studied, K was the mineral with the higher concentration, with a mean of 24.9 g kg-1 dw. In addition, the Na concentration and Na/K ratio observed in both cultivars were low. Amongst the caffeoylquinic acids, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 1,5-diO-caffeoylquinic acid were the main compounds. The remaining caffeoylquinic acids (i.e., 1- and 3-O-caffeoylquinic acids, 3,4-, 3,5- and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acids) were minor compounds in the analyzed samples. Regarding the cultivar effect, the 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, apigenin 7-O-glucoronide, total caffeoylquinic acids, total apigenin derivatives, were significantly higher in 'Romolo' by 23.1, 180.0, 20.5, and 149.5%, respectively, in comparison to 'Istar', suggesting that specific cultivar should be selected to obtain the desired profile of bioactive compounds. Overall, the seed-propagated cultivars can represent a suitable alternative to the vegetative propagated ones, thus opening new perspectives for the artichoke production.

Phytochemical Compounds from the Crop Byproducts of Tunisian Globe Artichoke Cultivars

The phytochemical composition in two Tunisian globe artichoke cultivars (bracts, leaves, and floral stems) was evaluated in the plant byproducts. The results indicated that the bracts contain the highest levels of total phenols, o-diphenols, and flavonoids, whereas tannins seem to be more abundant in the leaves. Bracts from the 'Violet d'Hyères' cultivar possessed more total phenols (160.8mg/g DW), flavonoids (64.9mg/g DW), and anthocyanins (15.3μg/g DW) than the 'Blanc d'Oran' bracts (134.5mg/g DW, 51.2mg/g DW, and 8.3μg/g DW, resp.). Sixty-four volatile compounds were identified in the headspace of globe artichoke material, particularly in the bracts. The volatile profile showed that sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and non-terpene derivatives were the main volatiles emitted by the bracts in both cultivars. These results suggest that globe artichoke byproducts might represent a potential source of natural compounds, which could be used as nutraceuticals or as ingredients in the design of functional foods.

The nutraceutical response of two globe artichoke cultivars to contrasting NPK fertilizer regimes

Globe artichoke contributes to the healthiness of the Mediterranean diet, but its nutraceutical value in response to its agronomy has not been investigated in any detail to date. Here, the effect of two contrasting fertilizer regimes (one balanced and the other excessive) on the sugar, ascorbic acid and total polyphenol content, the polyphenol profile and the antioxidant activity of the two cultivars ‘Apollo’ and ‘Tema 2000’ were monitored in plants grown in three locations in Sicily (‘Landolina’, ‘Iannarello’ and ‘Zotto’), which contrasted for soil type. The balanced fertilizer regime favored the content of sucrose, inulin, ascorbic acid and polyphenols (in particular that of 1,5-di- and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, along with apigenin 7-O-glucuronide). It was also more supportive of a high antioxidant activity. There was a pronounced cultivar and trial location effect, especially in terms of the accumulation of antioxidant compounds. Plants grown at ‘Landolina’ responded more strongly than at the other two locations to the fertilizer regime with respect to both ascorbic acid and total polyphenol content. The conclusion was that providing a balanced supply of nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium (NPK) via fertilizer application can enhance the nutraceutical value of globe artichoke, although the effect is modulated by both genetic factors and soil type.

Effect of cultivar x ozone treatment interaction on the total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity of globe artichoke

Two globe artichoke cultivars (Violet de Provence and Apollo) were harvested at an experimental field in Sicily, immediately washed with ozonised water and stored in: i) normal atmosphere; ii) ozone-enriched atmosphere for 3 days and for the last 4 days in normal atmosphere; iii) ozone-enriched atmosphere for 7 days. A control (samples unwashed and stored at room temperature) was also investigated. The effect of cultivar x ozone treatment interaction on water content losses, total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity was evaluated after 0, 3 and 7 days of storage. Washing with ozonised water and storage under O3- enriched atmosphere allowed higher water retention compared with the control, especially for Violet de Provence. After 3 days of storage in ozone-enriched atmosphere, on average of cultivars, the total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity increased by 11.7% and 5.5%, respectively. By contrast, after further 4 days of storage in ozonised atmosphere, Apollo and Violet de Provence displayed a significant reduction in their level of total polyphenols and aantioxidant activity. The exposure of globe artichoke heads to an ozone-enriched atmosphere should not exceed 3 days aimed at preserving their high nutritional value, with special emphasis on total polyphenols content.

In vitro antioxidant activities and phenolic content in crop residues of Tunisian globe artichoke

The phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity of the bracts, leaves and floral stems of two Tunisian globe artichoke cultivars (‘Violet d’Hyéres’ and ‘Blanc d’Oran’) were assessed; the tests used to assay antioxidant activity were based on ABTS [2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] and DPPH [2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl]. In addition reducing power was measured and the phosphomolybdenum total antioxidant activity assay was included. The bracts of ‘Violet d’Hyéres’ possessed, on average, twice the quantity of phenolic compounds than those of ‘Blanc d’Oran’. They also had a higher content of 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The bracts and floral stems contained high levels of total caffeoylquinic acid, whereas the leaves provided a potentially exploitable source of luteolin. Ethanolic extracts of both cultivars exhibited a high level of antioxidant activity. The ABTS EC50 value was high in extracts from the leaves of both cultivars, whereas the DPPH test showed no variation between the bracts, floral stems and leaves. The bracts were associated with strong reducing power and total antioxidant activity. Overall, the leaves were associated with more antioxidant activity than the bracts or the floral stems. The implication is that globe artichoke crop residues could provide a useful source of antioxidant compounds.

In vitro root induction improvement by culture in darkness for different globe artichoke cultivars

A propagation protocol was developed and optimized for globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) plants of cvs “Blanca de Tudela,” “Calico,” and “Salambo.” For culture initiation and shoot proliferation, the effect of different kinetin (K) concentrations in the culture medium on shoot induction was tested. A study was also conducted to evaluate different in vitro rooting strategies. The results indicate that a low level of kinetin (1.4 μM) was optimal for the three cultivars tested for both shoot induction and multiplication. The best results for root induction (73.3% in “Blanca de Tudela,” 80% in “Calico,” and 93.3% in “Salambo”) were achieved with a 5-d culture in darkness, in the presence of 29.5 μM indolebutyric acid (IBA). The survival percentage of plants rooted was higher after acclimatization, 75–83%. The results presented here show that a low level of kinetin and darkness appear to be key factors in a plant propagation protocol for artichoke.

Influence of an O3-atmosphere storage on microbial growth and antioxidant contents of globe artichoke as affected by genotype and harvest time

Abstract We investigated the effects of storage at 4 °C under ozone-enriched atmospheres on microbiological quality and antioxidant content of three globe artichoke cultivars (‘Violet de Provence’, ‘Tema 2000’ and ‘Apollo’), harvested at different times (winter, early spring, late spring), immediately treated under real industrial operation conditions and analyzed after 0, 3 and 7 days of storage. Response of cultivars to postharvest treatments strictly depended upon harvest time. The reduction of both mesophilic bacteria and yeasts and moulds was significant in heads stored under ozone-enriched atmosphere for 3 or 7 days with major reductions for ‘Tema 2000’ and ‘Apollo’ harvested in winter and early spring, respectively. Ozone-treated heads of ‘Violet de Provence’ and ‘Apollo’ reported a major ascorbic acid retention and a higher total polyphenol content in winter and early spring harvests, respectively. Finally, regardless of the harvest time, the exposure of globe artichoke heads to an ozone-enriched atmosphere should not exceed 3 days in order to preserve the antioxidant content and maintain the microbiological standards. Industrial relevance The fresh heads of globe artichokes, endowed with high nutritional value and therapeutic properties, are characterized by a limited shelf life due to the high respiratory rate, weight loss, microbial spoilage, biochemical and/or physiological damages. So far, few studies have been focused on postharvest treatments for delaying ripening and preserving head quality of globe artichoke heads destined to the fresh market and, among them, ozone has emerged as one of the most antimicrobial promising technologies from the health and environmental points of view for its spontaneous decomposition to non-toxic product. With the aim to improve the current knowledge on the efficacy of this innovative postharvest technology in relation to cultivar and harvest time, we studied, under industrial conditions, the effectiveness of storage in an ozone-enriched atmosphere for 3 or 7 days on head weight loss, microbiological quality and antioxidants content of three different globe artichoke cultivars harvested at different times. The extension of quality retention could be important for globe artichoke heads destined to both fresh market and food industry.