EFFECT OF CROP MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON GLOBE ARTICHOKE PHYSIOLOGICAL, NUTRITIONAL, AND NUTRACEUTICAL QUALITY

The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori) is an important herbaceous perennial species native to the Mediterranean Basin cultivated in Italy, in the Southern Regions. In Sardinia, globe artichoke is cultivated according to the traditional forcing technique with conventional management in a continuous monoculture with a supply of chemical fertilizers and chemical weed control. The head fresh consumption of globe artichoke is associated as a source of antioxidants, and functional food from high levels of bioactive metabolites, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. The introduction of sustainable management practices and the impact on growth, head quality and soil health of field-grown globe artichoke are poorly known. The purpose of the study was that gain insight into the effects of alternative management based on an agroecological approach vs conventional one on globe artichoke (varietal type Spinoso sardo), on the yield components, soil fertility, and head quality. The results highlighted that alternative management could be successfully used both for reducing the use of mineral fertilizers and promoting valuable nutrient recycling without any deficit. In addition, keeps a high head yield of Spinoso sardo provides consumers with a product characterized by greater food safety with nutritional and nutraceutical properties like the product obtained using conventional cultivation methods.