Intraspecific variability in Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris Lam. Sicilian populations: seed germination under salt and moisture stresses

Wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris Lam.) exhibits a particular adaptability to the Mediterranean environment. Aiming to introduce its cultivation in the degraded areas of Sicily, it seemed interesting to study seed germination in the typical stress conditions of this environment. Our results showed a good variability in salinity and water stress resistance among the populations. Moreover six of them exhibited higher germination percentages in polyethylene glycol than in NaCl. Therefore wild cardoon may be utilized as genetic material to select lines suitable to the cultivation in semi-arid conditions of Mediterranean environment.