Search Results
Abstract
The effect of seed environment and stage of germination during vernalization on flower induction in globe artichoke was investigated. Soaking the seed in water for 48 hr at 70° F prior to vernalization at 35° to 45° for 15 days with adequate moisture and oxygen, resulted in a higher percentage of bolters. Air temperatures above 65° immediately after sowing the vernalized seed caused devernalization, while a week of 50° to 65° had no effect. Seed treatment with chloro-choline chloride inhibited vernalization. Gibberellic acid sprays substituted successfully for vernalization with a large percentage of plants. A minimum of 10 leaves were required for bud initiation with all effective vernalizing treatments. Through vernalization and by subsequently growing the plants at an optimum temperature and light environment, the normal biennial reproductive cycle of artichoke was reduced to 6.5 months.