Effect of sowing date, plant density and nitrogen fertilizer on artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.): preliminary results

• Published in: Advances in horticultural science 1991-01, Vol.5 (3), p.119-122
• Main Authors: Elia, A., Paolicelli, F., Bianco, V.V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Artichokes; Biological and medical sciences; Crop harvesting; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; Generalities. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development; Generalities. Production, biomass, yield. Quality; Nitrogen; Nitrogen fertilizers; Plant density; Plants; Seasons; Soil air; Sowing; Sowing date
• ISSN: 0394-6169; 1592-1573

The results of two field trials carried out at sites in southern Italy on a «seed»-planted artichoke (cv. Talpiot) for processing are reported. The influence of sowing date (30 August 1985 - 16 October 1985 and 7 March 1986) and plant density (6.7 - 3.3 - 2.2 - 1.7 and 1.3 plants m⁻²) on yield was tested in 1985-86 at Polignano a Mare, and the influence of nitrogen fertilizer (0-150 and 300 kg ha⁻¹) and plant density (2.5 - 1.7 and 1.25 plants m⁻²) was studied in 1986-87 at Policoro. Results showed that the best sowing time was summer, when the yield was about twice that in autumn. Spring sowing, on the other hand, produce no yield in the same year. Increased plant density decreased the number of heads per plant, while the yield per unit of area increased. More than 2.5 plants m⁻² reduced the number of productive plants, indicating that 2.5 plants m⁻² appeared to be the upper limit. At Policoro, with a soil rich in nitrogen, the application of 150 kg ha⁻¹ of N was enough to increase the yield by 3 t ha⁻¹; no further increase was observed with 300 kg ha⁻¹ of N.