The effect of different urea rates on some morphological and phytochemical traits of artichoke

Proper application of N fertilizer and its optimization in plants is definitely important. To study the effect of different level of nitrogen fertilizer on some morphological and phytochemical traits of artichoke, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in field conditions during two consecutive years in Isfahan, Iran. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied in 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha net nitrogen from urea source. Morphological traits including stem height, number of leaves per plant and number of capitols per plant and phytochemical traits such as total phenol, total flavonoid and antioxidant activity were measured. Increasing of urea fertilizer rate from 0 to 200 kg/ha increased stem height, number of leaves and capitols per plant, but decreased total phenol and flavonoid and antioxidant activity. Although nitrogen is an essential element for growth and development of artichoke plant, the consumption of high levels of nitrogen fertilizer has negative effect on qualitative traits. Also, considering chemical fertilizers hazard in environment, it is recommended to use 100 kg/ ha N to achieve optimal yield in artichoke.