Hybrid Artichoke: Today, an Alternative to the Traditional Blanca de Tudela.

Hybrid Artichoke Green Queen F1: A Viable Alternative to the Traditional Blanca de Tudela

In Spain, the Blanca de Tudela artichoke has been the most widely cultivated variety, reproduced through offshoots or cuttings. However, in recent years, this system has shown limitations such as the transmission of diseases and pests (Rhizoctonia Solani, stem borer worm, etc.), leading to significant losses after transplanting.

In the field of horticulture, developing crop varieties with higher yields and lower losses is crucial. We present the hybrid artichoke Green Queen, a promising option that outperforms the traditional Blanca de Tudela, particularly noted for its low cull rate. Let's explore its characteristics and how it benefits producers.

Artichokes are a crop valued for their flavor and nutritional value. In Spain, Blanca de Tudela has been the most cultivated variety, reproduced through cuttings. However, this system has limitations such as the transmission of diseases and pests, and inconsistent production.

In contrast, new hybrid varieties like Green Queen have been developed to overcome these deficiencies, offering greater uniformity and resistance. These genetic improvements have allowed farmers to achieve more consistent yields and reduce losses.

Characteristics of the Green Queen Artichoke

Adaptability and Yield

Green Queen stands out for its excellent adaptation to various climates and soils. In addition to its adaptability, it shows superior yield. In studies conducted at the Cajamar Experimental Center in Paiporta (Valencia), Green Queen excelled with high production, exceeding 2 kg/m² in commercial yield.

Low Cull Rate

One of the major advantages of Green Queen is its low cull rate. The removal of defective products is a significant concern for producers, as it reduces the efficiency and profitability of the crop. Green Queen, with its improved resistance to diseases and pests and greater uniformity in the development of the heads, has demonstrated a significantly lower cull rate compared to Blanca de Tudela.

Comparison

Clonal Multiplication vs. Seed

Blanca de Tudela is reproduced through clonal cuttings, an effective method but with several drawbacks. These include high failure rates in planting, lack of uniformity, and the transmission of diseases and pests. These problems can negatively impact yield and the quality of the final product, increasing the cull rate.

In contrast, Green Queen is multiplied by seed, which ensures greater uniformity and reduces the likelihood of transmitting diseases. This advantage translates into greater consistency in the quality of the heads and a lower cull rate.

Yield and Productivity

Green Queen has demonstrated superior total yield, with consistently high commercial yields. In the Cajamar study, this variety not only outperformed Blanca de Tudela in terms of total production but also showed earlier maturity, allowing for earlier and extended harvests.

Benefits for Producers

Opting for the hybrid Green Queen artichoke can bring multiple benefits for producers, including:

• Higher Profitability: With higher yields and fewer losses due to culls, producers can maximize their income.
• Lower Risk of Diseases: The greater resistance of Green Queen reduces the need for chemical treatments, lowering costs and environmental impact.
• Consistent Quality: Uniformity in the size and weight of the heads facilitates marketing and improves consumer satisfaction.
• Adaptability: Green Queen’s ability to adapt to different climatic conditions and soil types makes it a versatile option for various growing environments.

Conclusion

The hybrid Green Queen artichoke presents itself as a superior alternative to the traditional Blanca de Tudela, especially in terms of yield and reduced cull rate. With its advantages in adaptability, productivity, and disease resistance, Green Queen offers an efficient and profitable solution for producers looking to maximize the quality and quantity of their crops.

Application Protocol for Gibberellic Acid in Artichokes

Application Timing:

• Apply gibberellic acid 45 days after transplanting, when the plant has a leaf area of 80 cm.
• Reapply 15-20 days after the first application.
• If no bud is present 20 days after the second application, repeat the application. If a bud is formed, even if small, no further application is necessary.

Application Method:

• Apply with a nozzle, either with a motorized sprayer or backpack sprayer, for 5 seconds directly onto the flower head ("cogollo"), ensuring it is well soaked.

Application Dosage:

• Gibberellic acid (2%) 2 liters of product / 1000 liters of water + Foliar seaweed extract at its base dose.

Considerations:

• Avoid applying on days with high temperatures; above 37 ºC, the application loses its effectiveness.
• Ensure proper watering with fertilizer the day before and the day after the application. Continue fertilizing with irrigation thereafter.
• Plant health: The more free from pests and diseases the plant is, the more effective the gibberellic acid treatment will be. Pay special attention to powdery mildew; reinforce after the second application. If any foliar treatment is needed after applying gibberellic acid, it can be done without significant risk of phytotoxicity.

Would you like to know more about the Green Queen artichoke variety? Contact us.