EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF SEED GROWN ARTICHOKE (CYNARA CARDUNCULUS L. VAR. SCOLYMUS (L.) FIORI)

The aim of this study was to obtain early production and to evaluate yield and quality of new seed grown cultivars treated with GA₃.

Experiments were conducted in southern Italy over three years; eight cultivars were transplanted in July 1993. GA₃ at 5 ppm was applied three times to the foliage, starting 60 days after planting.
Nineteen harvests, as average, were made each year from October to May.

Number, weight, width, length, colour of bracts, dry matter and fibre of primary and secondary buds were recorded at each harvest.
Small buds used for processing, height of the inflorescence complex (pappus), and atrophic buds were also recorded.

The results show the possibility to obtain autumn production with GA₃ treatments: the harvests started 85 and 118 days after planting, in early and later cultivars respectively.
The number of buds per hectare varied among cultivars from 218.000 to 175.000. The mean weight of primary buds reached 150 g in all cultivars.

Length of pappus, dry matter and fibre content progressively increased in buds harvested from March to May.

Results show good possibility to enlarge production of seed-grown artichoke.

XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 4: Culture Techniques with Special Emphasis on Environmental Implications

N. Calabrese, V.V. Bianco

artichoke, cultivars, gibberellic acid, seed propagation, yield, quality

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2000.514.2