Yield, Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Cynara Scolymus L. under Foliar Ecological Fertilization

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is an important medicinal and culinary herb, cultivated since Antiquity (4th century BC). It has been used in therapy since 16th century, but its coleretical action was discovered only in 1931. It was used as a vegetable in Ancient Egypt and in the Roman Empire. From the 15th century it has been frequently used as food. With the growing necessity of ecological products, organic crops cultivation areas need to be expanded, but a more complete characterization of such agriculture systems is required. The present paper aims to evaluate the yield of Cynara scolymus L. under four different organic foliar fertilizers (Fylo®, Geolino Plants&Flowers®, Cropmax®, Fitokondi®), by assessing morphometric parameters, physiological parameters (chlorophyll fluorescence and content, photosynthetic and transpiration rate) and total phenolics and flavonoid contents of plants. Some of the analyzed parameters values were increased in fertilized plants, compared to unfertilized ones. Foliar fertilization of artichoke plants can thus be used to obtain increased inflorescence yield and phenolic compounds synthesis with effect on physiological parameters analyzed, allowing better performance of artichoke under organic fertilization.