Morphological, Molecular, and Nutritional Characterisation of the Globe Artichoke Landrace “Carciofo Ortano”

Abstract

The present study focused on the molecular, morphological, and nutritional characterisation of a globe artichoke landrace at risk of genetic erosion still cultivated in the municipality of Orte (Lazio Region, Central Italy) and therefore named “Carciofo Ortano”. Molecular analysis based on SSR and ISSR markers was carried out on 73 genotypes selected at random from 20 smallholdings located in the Orte countryside and 17 accessions of landraces/clones belonging to the main varietal types cultivated in Italy. The results confirmed that “Carciofo Ortano” belongs to the “Romanesco” varietal typology and revealed the presence within the landrace of two distinct genetic populations named Orte 1 and Orte 2. Despite the high level of within-population genetic variation detected, the two populations were genetically differentiated from each other and from the landraces/clones of the main varietal types cultivated in Italy. Morphological and nutritional characterisation was performed on representative genotypes for each of the two populations of the “Carciofo Ortano” and the four landraces/clones included in the varietal platform of the PGI “CARCIOFO ROMANESCO DEL LAZIO” used as reference genotypes (“Campagnano”, “Castellammare”, “C3”, and “Grato 1”). Principal component analysis showed that, of the 43 morphological descriptors considered, 12, including plant height, head shape index, head yield, and earliness, allowed a clear grouping of genotypes, distinguishing Orte 1 and Orte 2 populations from the reference genotypes. Regarding the nutritional composition of heads, particular attention should be devoted to the Orte 2 genotypes for their high dietary fibre, inulin, flavonoid, and phenol content, a feature that could be highly appreciated by the market.

Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L. Landrace “Carciofo Ortano” as a Source of Bioactive Compounds

“…The artichoke “Carciofo Ortano’’, a landrace at risk of genetic erosion, is still cultivated in the plains along the Tiber River in the countryside of the Orte municipality in the Lazio region (Central Italy). It is highly appreciated for the nutritional and organoleptic values of its immature edible flower heads [ 35 ]. Its cultivation and valorization contribute to and reinforce the agroeconomic and social development of the local territory.…”

“…The present study involved the examination of three distinct genotypes. Two of these were chosen as representative genotypes of the two populations identified within the landrace “Carciofo Ortano” [ 35 ] and denoted as Orte 1 and Orte 2 genotypes for simplicity. The third genotype, used as a reference, was Grato 1, a clone selected from a progeny derived from cross-pollination of plants belonging to the “Castellammare”, “Campagnano”, and “Violetto di Toscana” landraces.…”

“…This study highlights a landrace known as “Carciofo Ortano”, belonging to the “Romanesco” varietal type as defined by Alicandri et al [ 35 ], which focused on the molecular, morphological, and nutritional characterization of this landrace. It is cultivated in the Lazio region, and it originated from the municipality of Orte in the province of Viterbo and continues to be grown along the riverbanks of the Tiber River.…”

“…A small number of dedicated farmers preserve the cultivation of “Carciofo Ortano” primarily for personal use, maintaining a tradition passed down through generations. However, the survival of this landrace is threatened by factors such as the aging population of custodians, limited cultivation areas mostly confined to local vegetable gardens, and the introduction of commercial varieties [ 35 ].…”

Role of Artichoke Leaf Extract as Antioxidant in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease of Adult Male Albino Rats

“…The nutritional and phytochemical composition of globe artichoke renders it a food that is widely recognized for its health benefits. The composition of the substance includes proteins, minerals, a minimal quantity of lipids, dietary fibers, and a significant concentration of phenolics (5). According to existing literature, the consumption of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) may lead to a reduction in cholesterol levels among individuals with hypercholesterolemia (6).…”