Yield components of Eryngium foetidum L. seeds as a function of capitula order

Abstract

Eryngium foetidum L. seeds are still predominantly produced by family farmers, in gardens or small plots, using simple cultivation techniques. The seeds exhibit low germination rates and vigor and are acquired through exchange between local producers or from remnants in the cultivation area itself. This study aimed to identify the yield components that contribute most to the seed production of Amazon chicory. A randomized block experiment was conducted with four treatments consisting of different capitula orders (first, second and third order, and a mixture of capitula up to the fourth order) and six replicates. The following traits were assessed: days to the beginning of the foliar differentiation and to flowering, number of leaves in the vegetative, reproductive and harvest stage, number of tillers per plant, number of flowering stems per plant, number of seeds, 100-seed weight, seed production and yield. The data were submitted to correlation network analysis. The number of tillers per plant, flowering stems per plant, number of leaves at harvest and number of seeds are the components that contribute most to the E. foetidum seed yield.

KEYWORDS: Amazon chicory, non-conventional food plant, Apiaceae.