MICROPROPAGATION OF SEED-DERIVED PLANTS OF CYNARA-SCOLYMUS L CV GREEN GLOBE

A micropropagation method was developed starting from seeds of globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) cultivar 'Green Globe'. This cultivar represents almost all of globe artichoke production in North America. Cultures were initiated with in vitro seedlings and with in vitro seedlings shoot tips. Shoot multiplication occurred through a proliferation of axillary leaf buds and the best multiplication rates were obtained when different BAP concentrations and 0.5 mg 1` NAA were combined. During the multiplication stage, occurrence of vitrification was reduced by avoiding contact of explants axillary leaf buds with culture medium. Almost 65% of the in vitro shoots produced roots after two months in presence of 1.0 mgl-1 NAA. The rooted shoots were easily hardened and transferred to soil. © 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers.