The post-harvest quality of yacon tuberous roots produced at different altitudes and planting times were characterized in this study. The experiment was conducted in the South of Espírito Santo State in two locations, one at 837 m altitude and the other one at 113 m altitude. The experimental design, in each place, was randomized blocks with four replications, and the treatments consisted of three planting seasons: April (autumn), July (winter) and September (spring). After harvest of the tuberous roots, we evaluated pH, titratable total acidity, moisture content, soluble solids, reducing sugars, crude fiber and ash, as well as color, hardness (maximum force recorded in the first penetration or compression cycle) and chewiness index (energy required to chew food, given by gumminess x elasticity). Tuberous roots grown at 837 m altitude, independent of planting times, presented higher soluble solids content and lighter juice, conferring better quality. However, at 113 m altitude, from April to July, the roots showed better quality, since it presents lower hardness and lighter juice.

This research aimed to catalog insects that cause injury to the yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius, família Asteraceae) crop, in order to identify those who may cause damage. The study was carried out in Alegre, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Cultivation began in May 2013 and the harvest was done 180 days later. Three species from the Coleoptera order: Lagria villosa (Coleoptera: Lagriidae); Cerotoma arcuata and Diabrotica speciosa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and two species from the Lepidoptera order: Spodoptera eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Chlosyne lacinia saundersii (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) were observed causing damage to the yacon crop. The caterpillar C. lacinia saundersii, known as sunflower caterpillar, was the most important species, being observed throughout the yacon cycle.