Planting Configuration and Mulch Affect Growth and Yield of Globe Artichoke

Globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] has been recently introduced as a specialty crop in southwest Texas. Field experiments were conducted over three seasons (2008–09, 2010–11 and 2011-12) in the Wintergarden of Texas to investigate plant growth, yield, and yield components of artichoke grown as an annual system. Three strategies were evaluated, planting configuration (single and double lines per bed), plasticulture (baresoil and black plastic mulch) and cultivars differing in maturity (Imperial Star, early; Green Globe Improved, late). Each fall, transplants were established in the field at 1.80 m between rows and 0.90 m between plants (single line) or 3.60 m between rows and 0.90 m between plants (double line). Irrigation was applied with subsurface drip. In both cultivars, double line increased plant height while reduced plant width and leaf number. The combination of single line with plastic mulch enhanced plant height, plant width, leaf number and leaf photosynthetic rate. Chlorophyll index was not affected by either planting configuration or plastic mulch. Similarly, single line with plastic mulch had higher total and marketable yield, as compared to double line. This response was due to both increased in head weight and higher head number per plant. Comparing cultivars, Green Globe Improved had similar growth components but higher marketable yield than Imperial Star in one season.  Our results indicate that one line per bed with plastic mulch is recommended to increase yield, head size and water savings (approximately 20%) as compared to the baresoil system.