Hoop House and Field Evaluation of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L. var. sativus Boeck) Selections in New Jersey, USA

Abstract

Tigernut or ‘chufa’ (Cyperus esculentus L. var. sativus) is gaining popularity in the United States as a high energy tuber crop known for sweet and chewy taste, 40–45% gluten-free digestible carbohydrate, high dietary fiber content, healthful fatty acid profile (73% monounsaturated, 18% saturated, 9% polyunsaturated—similar to olive oil), high oleic acid, and high P, K, and vitamins C. E. Tigernut tubers were obtained from specialty crop markets in central NJ and purchased online from commercial distributors as propagules for transplants for hoop house and field production studies. Nine tigernut selections were also evaluated under NJ hoop house culture conditions for growth habit and in the field for adaptation and productivity We concluded that tigernut production is feasible in NJ based on the results of these experiments. The growth patterns of three selections (GH, MV and SK) were studied and characterized. Foliage growth was similar in the three selections. Plant height ranged from an average of 90 cm in GH to 110 cm in MV and SK; side shoot production capacity ranged from 13 shoots per propagule in GH to 20 or more in MV and SK over 14 weeks. Over 99% of tubers in MV and SK were located within the upper 5 cm of the growth media (Pro-Mix BX brand) but tubers of GH were observed at greater soil depths (~20 cm). Tubers varied from spherical (round) in shape in GH and SK to oblong (elongated) in MV. In the field the best growth and tuber yields from NG3 and T-USA selections were obtained under black or white-over-black plastic mulch in conventionally managed plots. Tubers showed high levels of Fe (168–218 ppm) and Zn (39–50 ppm) implying that they should be a good source of these essential elements in human diet. Studies also showed that the tigernut tuber cannot survive the cold winter months in the field in NJ, therefore minimizing the fear of “tigernut invasion” of agronomic fields in NJ and similar agroecosystems.

Variability of the Main Economically Valuable Characteristics of Cyperus esculentus L. in Various Ecological and Geographical Conditions

“…Conversely, the individual tuber weight in our study was significantly lower compared to the data from Ayeni et al (68–78.6 g) [ 30 ]. The oil content reported by Ayeni et al (20.0–26.4%) was comparable to our findings, while the protein content was higher (6.4–8.1%) [ 30 ].…”

“…The plant heights recorded by Ayeni et al ranged from 91 to 111 cm, which was higher than the values observed in our study. The minimum and maximum number of tubers in our research were higher compared to the data gathered by Ayeni et al [30]. Conversely, the individual tuber weight in our study was significantly lower compared to the data from Ayeni et al (68-78.6 g) [30].…”

Effect of intercropping with legumes at different rates on the yield and soil physicochemical properties of Cyperus esculentus L. in arid land

“…, is indigenous to the Mediterranean region of Africa ( Follak et al., 2016 ). It is widely distributed in many northern temperate regions and is becoming increasingly popular as an energy crop in China, India, Egypt, and the United States ( Ayeni, 2022 ). C. esculentus possesses exceptional traits, such as drought resistance and salinity tolerance ( Duan et al., 2022 ; Zhang et al., 2023 ; Zhu et al., 2023 ).…”

Effects of different tillage systems and mowing time on nutrient accumulation and forage nutritive value of Cyperus esculentus

“…Therefore, it is of great significance to select crops that are more suitable for both forage yield, grain and oil supply under water shortage conditions to improve livestock production and may alleviate food crisis in arid and semi-arid areas. Meanwhile, the Cyperus esculentus is a grass like plant widely distributed in many northern temperate regions and is gaining popularity in China, India, Egypt and the United States as an energy crop (Arafat et al, 2009;Bamishaiye et al, 2010;De Castro et al, 2015;Ayeni, 2022). Its aboveground parts (leaves) are used as forage, and its belowground parts are edible tubers with sweet taste with high levels of protein, fatty acids and starch, that make it a potential alternative to wheat and soybeans in many countries (Sańchez-Zapata et al, 2012;Ahmed and Hussein, 2014;Codina-Torrella et al, 2015;Ayeni, 2022).…”

“…Meanwhile, the Cyperus esculentus is a grass like plant widely distributed in many northern temperate regions and is gaining popularity in China, India, Egypt and the United States as an energy crop (Arafat et al, 2009;Bamishaiye et al, 2010;De Castro et al, 2015;Ayeni, 2022). Its aboveground parts (leaves) are used as forage, and its belowground parts are edible tubers with sweet taste with high levels of protein, fatty acids and starch, that make it a potential alternative to wheat and soybeans in many countries (Sańchez-Zapata et al, 2012;Ahmed and Hussein, 2014;Codina-Torrella et al, 2015;Ayeni, 2022). However, to our best knowledge, there is a little information on the nutritive value of the above-and under-ground parts of C. esculentus in respond to different planting modes (CC vs RC) and initial mowing time, even though it has been cultivated for many years in the desert oasis transition zone (Tan et al, 2022;Zhang et al, 2022).…”