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

Abstract

The 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.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Bee-Collected Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Pollen

“…It is a perennial plant with favored anemochory dissemination, blooms in July enriching diversity of melliferous plants in that period. However, recently it has been determined that the reproduction process of artichokes is significantly improved by involving entomophilous pollination via honeybees [29].…”

An Easy Mixed-Method Analysis Tool to Support Rural Development Strategy Decision-Making for Beekeeping

“…Pollinators provide provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services [14,15]. The best-known service is pollination, which ensures crop yields and conserves wild plant biodiversity [16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. Honey bees, as the most significant pollinators, suppliers of food, and providers of a wide range of benefits to society, also bear cultural and social values [5,14,15,23].…”

Responses of soil seedbank and aboveground weed communities to globe artichoke–cropping systems: an on-farm analysis

“…Globe artichoke [ Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori, Asteraceae] is a herbaceous C 3 perennial crop that originated in the Mediterranean basin, where it is appreciated for the immature inflorescence ( capitulum or head) (Mazzeo et al 2020; Portis et al 2012). Italy is the leading world producer with 376,280,000 kg ha −1 obtained from 38,450 ha, followed by Spain and Egypt, although other South American and Asian countries are increasing their harvest areas (FAOSTAT 2021).…”