干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

In semi-arid regions of the world, globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L. (Fiori)) seedlings and developing plants generally experience simultaneous high air temperatures and drought episodes, causing transplant shock, reduction in field stands, delay in root and shoot development and consequently decrease in yield. Efficient irrigation and crop strategies from transplanting to harvest must be developed for those environments to ensure maximum uniform vegetative growth and economically acceptable yields. Based on research conducted in Italy and Spain, artichoke appears to be a high water requirement crop as compared to other vegetables, in part due to the large total leaf area and long production cycle. This review highlights research conducted on drought stress tolerance, crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and irrigation strategies (optimum and/or deficit irrigation rates applied with sprinkler, drip or furrow irrigation systems) and their effect on plant physiological responses, yield, quality, and water use efficiency. Studies conducted in the Mediterranean countries suggest that drip irrigation is the most efficient technique to maximize yield and water use efficiency of artichoke. Most studies show a positive correlation between water application and yield, mainly due to improvements of head number per plant. Research in Texas also showed that deficit irrigation reduces plant physiological responses but increases water use efficiency in globe artichoke grown with a plasticulture system.