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Th is study investigated biomass yield and growth characteristics of 26 Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) clones and assessed it as a bioenergy crop for a semiarid region of the Loess Plateau in China. Genotype, year, and genotype × year interaction contributed to diff erences in crop development, growth characteristics, and biomass yields (dry matter). Generally, biomass yields in 2011 were lower than in 2008, mainly due to a more severe soil moisture defi cit in 2011. Shoot and tuber biomass yields (STBY) ranged from 18.9 to 35.0 Mg ha -1 in 2008 and from 16.1 to 24.8 Mg ha -1 in 2011. Clones HUB-2 and BJ-4 produced the highest shoot biomass yield (SBY), amounting to 31.3 and 25.6 Mg ha -1 , respectively, in the wetter year but higher drought sensitivity. Clones HUN-2, SD-2, and SHH-1 produced the second highest SBY, which varied between 14.3 and 20.1 Mg ha -1 . Clones GZ-1, HEN-1, HUB-1, IM-1, and SX-2 are recommended for tuber production and produced tuber yields >8 Mg ha -1 in both seasons. Clones SD-2 and SHH-1 exhibited drought sensitivity indices <1.00, indicating that they were less sensitive to drought combined with a good yield level. Biplot analysis showed that HUB-2 and BJ-4 were the best performers in STBY and SBY. A combination of physiological traits associated with high STBY and drought tolerance may be most promising for further selection in a breeding program. To make a full assessment under more extreme conditions, we recommend a multiyear experiment at similar locations.Abbreviations: DSI, drought susceptibility index; SBY, shoot biomass yield; STBY, shoot and tuber biomass yield; WP, water productivity.

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