Intraspecific Variability Of Cynara Cardunculus L. Seed Germination Across Domesticated And Wild Varieties

Cynara cardunculus L. is a perennial species native to Mediterranean basin. It comprises two botanical varieties C. cardunculus L. var. altilis DC. (domestic cardoon) and C. cardunculus L. var. sylvestris Lam. (wild cardoon), considered to be the wild ancestor of globe artichoke, C. cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori [1,2,3]. It sprouts at the end of summer, remains as winter leaf rosette in autumn, with a stem elongation in spring, full blossom in early summer, fruits ripening in summer and fully dried aerial biomass in late summer. As a result of this cycle, seed germination capability during a precise time window represents a crucial trait to select in agronomical lines, while tolerance to abiotic stresses is of prominent importance for Mediterranean crops exposed to vulnerable climate. Here we analysed the seed germination behaviour of domesticated and wild C. cardunculus varieties through a range of drought stress, dormancy induction and oxidative stress.