Effects of the propagule size on the tuberous rhizome production and physicochemical characteristics of Jerusalem artichoke

Abstract

As a crop that is rich in oligosaccharides, Jerusalem artichoke is considered one of the most promising plants for production because of its ability to survive in marginal lands, strong resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, ease of conversion into biofuels, and use for food consumption. In the present study, the effects of propagule size on tuberous rhizome production and the physicochemical characteristics of Jerusalem artichoke were evaluated. Five propagule sizes of tuberous rhizome, 10 g (T1), 30 g (T2), 50 g (T3), 70 g (T4), and 90 g (T5), were used in a completely randomized experiment with 5 replicates and 11 plants per replicate. Harvesting was carried out 164 days after planting. The results showed that T1 resulted in the lowest emergence rate, number of tuberous rhizomes and aboveground fresh weight per plant of all the treatments. However, there was no significant difference among treatments in the tuberous rhizome dry weight, pH, titratable acidity, Brix, or reducing sugar. Propagule with tuberous rhizome of 30-50 g is recommended to achieve a high emergence rate and yield.