Globe artichoke in vitro conservation protocol to meet germplasm preservation and production management

A reliable and reproducible genotype-independent protocol for slow-growth storage of globe artichoke was established for the first time to meet two needs: genetic resources conservation and labour costs reduction in commercial laboratories. Plant responses to in vitro storage, genetic stability and field performance were the parameters used to evaluate the germplasm conservation conditions. Slow-growth storage was assessed, in our study, to preserve different artichoke genotypes for 12 months. Growth reduction was achieved supplementing osmotic agents, mannitol/sorbitol to the media. After 12 months of storage, culture survival across genotypes ranged from 65 to 85% and all the media tested supported 100% regrowth. Since associated in vitro stress can cause genetic instability, mother plants grown in the field and in vitro conserved plants were evaluated by means of molecular markers. Protocol suitability was further validated by a field test using an approved list of plant descriptor for globe artichoke. As far as we know there are no published reports on in vitro conservation protocol for globe artichoke applied to different genotypes and validated by an appropriate field test.