The globe artichoke breeding programs should respond to the demands of both fresh and processed market requirements. This fact implies that a great number of characteristics have to be considered when selection is taking place, making necessary the aid of multivariate analysis. Two sets of S1 families were evaluated in order to know the contribution of these characters to the total variation and to identify homogeneous genotypes within a set of families. Twenty six vegetative and productive characters were evaluated in a single plant, in the experimental field of the Agronomy Faculty, Rosario National University, located in Zavalla (33º 01' S, 60º 53' W). Leaf length, leaf width, number and weight of secondary artichokes, height of the first artichoke, weight of the receptacle and harvest period yielding were the traits that best explained the total variation. Only 9 families were selected among the 30 S1 families. These are the most appropriate to continue the inbreeding process. Cluster analysis could be considered a valuable tool to make an early selection in this species.
Cynara scolymus L.; inbreeding lines; cluster analysis
