Cynara cardunculus var scolymus is a horticultural perennial crop, sometimes grown as annual.
In this thesis we described the phenological traits of the crop and studied the mineral uptake of several globe artichoke varieties grown in Mediterranean environment. Despite its economical relevance, scarce scientific information on phenological and agronomical traits are available at present.
In chapter 1 we present the phenological growth stages based on the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, CHemische Industrie (BBCH) scale and its associated decimal code. Nine principal growth stages have been defined and each principal stage has been subdivided into secondary growth stages. Descriptive keys with illustrations are also provided. A practical use of the scale is proposed, with particular reference to harvest time and management treatments. This scale aims to support farmers and researchers to efficiently plan management practices and experimental treatments.
In chapter 2 we present globe artichoke nutrients uptake and partitioning, determined by successive destructive plant harvest and mineral analysis of plant organs of four field grown varieties (Tema 2000, Spinoso Sardo, Violetto and Romanesco C3). Potassium was the most important element in quantitative term, while phosphorus was the less one. Nitrogen showed a remarkable variability in relation to the variety traits. A practical use of the uptake ratio is proposed, with particular reference to the crop nutrition management
