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

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.

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.

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.

Generally, mycorrhizal inoculation and the use of living and non-living mulches can be suggested as a solution to increase the yield of artichoke.