Chemical and Genetic Relationships of Cynara cardunculus L. (Cardoon) in Southern Portugal

Southern Portugal has high natural variability of Cynara cardunculus L. (Cc) at biochemical and morphological levels, creating a need for genetic diversity studies. Cc represents a natural source of sesquiterpene lactones (SL), particularly cynaropicrin. Previously, 175 wild Cc individuals (generation F0) from different geographical locations in the Alentejo region were identified, collected and chemically and genetically characterized. To improve the biotechnological benefits of the cardoon, a transcriptomic analysis based on the SL chemical profile is ongoing to select the best genotypes for cynaropicrin production. This knowledge is crucial for identifying molecular markers related to characteristics of interest for future cardoon breeding programs.