Artichoke physiological disorders By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Provincial Coordinator IPM KPK MINFAL Islamabad

2. Artichoke Physiological
Disorders
ToT to FFS Staff
By Mr. Allah Dad Khan
Provincial Coordinator IPM KPK
MINFAL

3. Introduction
 Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is an
herbaceous perennial that is grown for its tender,
edible, immature flower buds. The globe artichoke
should not be confused with Jerusalem artichoke,
another member of the composite family native to
North America, which is grown for its fleshy tubers.
Globe artichoke plants can become large: four to five
feet tall and wide, with long, heavily serrated silvery
green leaves

5. History
 Globe artichokes are native to the Mediterranean
region, but have been grown in this country since
colonial times. Thomas Jefferson grew artichokes in
his extensive food gardens at his central Virginia
Monticello plantation as early as 1767, successfully
overwintering the plants using protective coverings.
In 2013, over 7,000 acres of artichokes were grown
commercially in California’s central coast area. The
mild West Coast climate allows year-round perennial
culture and quality

6. Freezing Injury.
 Freezing injury will be initiated at -1.2°C (29.9°F).
Symptoms of light freezing injury are blistering of
the cuticle and a bronzing of the outer bracts. This
may occur in the field with winter harvested buds
and is used in marketing as an index of high quality.
More severe freeze injury results in watersoaked
bracts and the heart becoming brown to black and
gelatinous in appearance over time.

7. Bruising and Compression Injury.
 Very common when attention to careful harvest and
handling practices are not followed.

8. Responses to Controlled Atmospheres
 Controlled or modified atmospheres offer moderate
to little benefit to sustaining artichoke quality.
Conditions of 2-3% O2 and 3-5% CO2 delay
discoloration of bracts and the onset of decay by a
few days at temperatures around 5°C (41°F).
Atmospheres below 2% O2 may result in internal
blackening of artichokes.