Differences of health-promoting compounds accumulation in buds of globe artichoke as affected by genotype and environment

The edible flower of globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus (L.) Hegi] is one of the most typical vegetable consumed for human nutrition in the Mediterranean regions. This vegetable is much appreciated both for its taste and nutritional value, due to the phenolic fraction, with antioxidant properties. Besides these plant secondary metabolites artichoke contains high inulin amount, a dietary fiber with interesting physiological properties. This work aiming to evaluate differences of health-promoting compounds accumulation in buds of globe artichoke as affected by genotype and environment. In order to estimate the inulin amount and total polyphenols content of heads, a trial, conducted during 2005-2006, was assessed, including two different environments, Caltagirone (Sicilian hilly environment) and Syracuse (coastal area of South Sicily), and 2 different genotypes (Romanesco clone 'C3', with late production and 'Violet Margot' with early production). In laboratory, DM content was analyzed. Inulin, glucose, fructose and sucrose were extracted from fresh heads, and they were characterized by HPAEC-PAD 'Dionex AI 500'. Water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) content was obtained summing glucose, fructose and sucrose, while polyphenols were determined by Folin Ciocalteau method. Total polyphenols resulted, on average of the studied factors, 2425 meqGAE kg-1 f.w., inulin and WSC amounts, were 252 and 81 g kg-1 D.M., respectively. Anova showed the total polyphenols accumulation was affected mainly by environment factor (59% of total variation) than genotype (24% of total variation). Averaged for the two environments the highest amounts has been recorded in 'Violet Margot' than 'Romanesco') (2494 vs 2355 meqGAE kg-1 f.w.). Inulin amount was influenced mainly by genotype factor (74% of total variation) than environment (21% of total variation). On the contrary WSC content resulted influenced mainly by environment factor (66% of total variation). All chemical traits resulted, averaged for genotypes, highest in the hilly environment, characterized by lower air temperatures than Syracuse. © ISHS.