Chemical and Morphological Characteristics of New Clones and Commercial Varieties of Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus)

Abstract

The globe artichoke is a widely consumed vegetable in the Mediterranean Basin, with Italy being the leading producer. In southern Italy, its cultivation contributes to local economic stability and social development. The producers are increasingly choosing to replace autochthonous varieties, such as 'Violetto di Sicilia', with cultivars bred or selected outside of the region, putting pressure on the maintenance of traditional varieties. Here, we have undertaken a detailed morphological and chemical analysis of a group of clones selected from a population of 'Violetto di Sicilia'. All the traits measured displayed genetic variation, particularly the total content of phenolics and minerals. The capitula of the 'Violetto di Sicilia' clones contained, on average, 6.3 g kg(-1) of fresh weight total phenolics, compared with 4.5 g kg(-1) in the two commercial varieties. The clones also had more inulin than commercial varieties (254 vs. 225 g kg(-1) of dry matter), as well as a good mineral content. The set of clones is of interest in the context of the proposed improvement of the crop through breeding and selection of genotypes with high nutritional quality and a specific end-use (industrial processing or fresh consumption).

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

“…The trial location was the major factor influencing the sugar profile, although glucose content was also strongly cultivar-dependent (Table 2), in good agreement with previous findings (Leroy, Mabeau, Baty-Julien, & Grongnet, 2011;Pandino et al, 2011b). Fructose and sucrose levels were highest at 'Iannarello' (Table 3), perhaps because of this soil's high level of exchangeable K 2 O, since K is known to stimulate both photosynthesis (Cakmak, 2005) and the loading of photoassimilate into the phloem (Gajdanowicz et al, 2011).…”

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

“…The leading producer country is Italy and in recent years crop production has spread to America and China (Portis et al, 2014). The edible part of the plant is the immature inflorescence named head, bud or capitulum, which consists of the enlarged receptacle and the tender bract bases and is consumed as fresh or processed product worldwide (Bianco, 1990;Pandino, Lombardo, & Mauromicale, 2011a). Globe artichoke has recently gained renewed scientific attention due not only to its nutritional value, as this commodity is rich of fiber, minerals and inulin (Pandino, Lombardo, & Mauromicale, 2011b), but overall to its therapeutic properties, such as strong hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, antioxidative, anticholesterol, antimicrobial, bile-expelling and urinative activities (Azzini et al, 2007;Lattanzio, Kroon, Linsalata, & Cardinali, 2009).…”

Phenotypic variability in a population of globe artichoke

“…Intra and interpopulation phenotypic variability in artichoke populations propagated by seeds have been found in studies conducted in the Mediterranean region (MAURO et al, 2009;PANDINO et al, 2011) and Argentina (COINTRY et al, 1999;CRAVERO et al, 2002). Variability in the population assessed may be attributable to the high rate or segregation observed in allogamous plants in sexual propagation and expresses the potential of this population in responding to the selection, allowing signifi cant genetic gains.…”