Researches on reproductive biology and seed yields in some local globe artichoke varieties

298 heads belonging to the globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus (L.) Hayek] varieties 'Sakız', 'Bayrampaşa', 'Kıbrıs Karası' and the clone 'Vural No: 6' were used in this study to investigate reproductive biology and seed yields of artichoke. In the studies conducted between 2016 and 2017 in the artichoke collection parcels in the experimental fields of the Ege University Department of Horticulture, seed yield and quality of the varieties were examined. It has been determined that the head position at primary or secondary levels has no statistical significance on the seed number/head, 1000 seed weight, and percentage of germination. Without taking head position into consideration, among genotypes left to open pollination, 'Vural No: 6' and 'Bayrampaşa' had the highest seed yields with 288(a) and 273(a) seeds/head, respectively. The variety 'Kıbrıs Karası' was found to produce seeds with the highest 1000 seed weight (56 g) and germination percentage (79,71%). The strongest correlation in open pollinating genotypes was found between 1000 seed weight and germination percentage. Significant reductions in seed number/head were observed in 'Sakız' and 'Vural No: 6' genotypes where isolation was performed. This rate is also reduced in all genotypes that are artificially pollinated. It has been determined that pollen viability significantly decreased in viability tests performed on seeds stored at +4°C for 20 days. However, it was concluded that the pollens retained their potential to be used for selfings and hybridizations.