Innovative large-scale production of early artichoke transplants

A research was made to standardize an effective system for large-scale production of early type globe artichoke plantlets in nursery. Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus Fiori plants of the 'Locale di Mola' type were selected in field on the basis of their marked precocity. Offshoots from these plants were cultured in vitro to obtain artichoke plantlets fungi and bacteria free to improve the quality of propagation material. Acclimatization was clearly facilitated by the addition of the two different mycorrhizal inoculants, Glomus viscosum and Glomus mosseae. Plants were grown under greenhouse conditions and, after six months, were cut back at the collar level. A week before cutting, mycorrhizal and not-mycorrhizal plants were treated with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP 200 mg L-1) to promote offshoot production. For three months after the cut, every month the offshoots of each plant were counted, harvested and weighted. Finally the rooting of the cuttings obtained by offshoot produced was assisted by Glomus viscosum or Glomus mosseae inoculation or by immersion for 15 or 30 minutes in an aqueous solution of indol-3-acetic acid at two concentrations and compared with untreated plants. Mycorrhizal inoculation alone stimulates offshoot production while the combination growth regulator and mycorrhizal symbiosis does not increase further offshoot production. The rooting percentages of cuttings were enhanced by mycorrhizal treatments if compared with cuttings treated or not with indol-3-acetic acid. The results show the reliable technology to improve the efficiency of the production of artichoke transplants. The propagation system can be improved by mycorrhizal inoculation, favoring both the offshoot production and the offshoot rooting of Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus Fiori of the 'Locale di Mola' type. The efficiency of the in vitro propagation material and the role of mycorrhiza optimize the system for large-scale offshoot production in early types of artichoke