Effects of apex removal of rooted offshoots on globe artichoke production

Establishment of new globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) plantation with the rooted offshoots is one of the multiplication methods. In the first year of this plantation, the amount of early and total yield is not similar to that of the second year, due to shoot number differences on each plant. In order to improve the yield property of plants, the effects of decapitating rooted shoot before planting were tested. For this purpose, offshoots, 2.0-2.5 cm in stem diameter were taken and planted in a nursery at the end of March, 1996. In the last week of May, 1996, irrigation was stopped and plants were forced to enter the rest period. In the experiment, two artichoke varieties, called 'Saliz' and 'No.6', were used. In the middle of August 1996, irrigation was started up again and rooted shoots were taken and decapitated and later planted. The number and types of shoots developed on each plant and their yield properties were assessed throughout the growing season. It was seen that the number of shoots on plants increased with decapitation. It was also seen that total yield increased with decapitation, although it did not affect early yield.