The interactive effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis and weed management on the chlorophyll content and yield of artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Abstract

AbstractBackground and Objective: This research was conducted in order to study the possibility of increasing yield, yield components and chlorophyll content of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) by mycorrhizal inoculation and living and non-living mulches.Materials and Methods: Experiment was conducted during 2017 and 2018 at the research farm of the University of Zanjan. A three-replicate split plot design based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) was conducted. Two levels of inoculation (inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis and non- inoculation) were considered as main plots and a variety of living mulches (Trifolium alexandrinum, Lathyrus sativus), non-living mulches (plastic mulch (silver external side and black internal one), wheat straw) and Complete handweeding, one-hand weeding and no-weeding were considered as sub plots. Results: The highest of fresh weight (336.01 ton/ha) and dry weight (34.21 ton/ha) were recorded in plastic mulch treatment under mycorrhizal inoculation conditions. Mycorrhizal colonization increased plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), chlorophyll a and chlorophyll (a+b) by 2.1%, 9.1%, 6.6% and 5.2%, respectively. Highest plant height (167 cm), leaf area index (122.18), number of leaves per plant (43), chlorophyll a, b and )a+b( (0.697, 0.388 and 1.085 mg g -1 FW) were obtained in plastic mulch treatment. Conclusion: Generally, mycorrhizal inoculation and the use of living and non-living mulches can be suggested as a solution to increase the yield of artichoke.Keywords: Mycorrhizal inoculation, Dry weight, Hand weeding, Height, Leaf area index, Mulch

Keywords

• keywords: mycorrhizal inoculation
• dry weight
• hand weeding
• height
• leaf area index
• mulch