Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is an allogamous species where vegetative propagated cultivars are not suitable for seed multiplication due to their high heterozigous condition. To obtain homogeneous materials, the inbreeding process is necessary. Inbred lines could be used as cultivars or in hybrid combinations. The effect of one generation of selfing over vegetative and productive traits were evaluated. The Genetic Determination Coefficient was estimated in two different family structures. Two sets of S1 families were originated: one from crosses between clones and the other through open pollination of the same clones. These assays were implanted in the field, in Zavalla, Argentina. The vegetative and reproductive characters were evaluated in a single plant. The importance of the starting material to obtain lines with adequate agronomic performance was demonstrated: S1 families originated from half-sib plants presented a strong endogamic depression in the majority of the traits in comparison to those obtained from full-sibs. Although all characters manifested endogamic depression after one generation of selfing, a genetic variability still remained among sets, among families and plants within families. As a consequence, it could be possible to select elite plants to continue the inbreeding process or to be vegetatively propagated as clones.
Cynara scolymus L.; family structures; inbreeding lines; genetic determination coefficient
