Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) productivity in different Italian growing areas: a modelling approach

Abstract

Jerusalem artichoke is considered one of the most interesting crops for inulin production. It has been used to date for the production of low calorie sweetening syrups, dietetic food enriched with fibre, medicines and cosmetics, while more recently, interesting prospects have been opening up for energy uses. The main aspects influencing its adaptability to different pedo-climatic conditions and cropping systems were analysed by implementing CSS (Cropping System Simulator, a simulation model describing crop biomass production) for this specific crop. Growth analysis experimental data of plant dry matter accumulation, obtained over two years of trials (1999)(2000) in different Italian growing areas (Udine, Bologna, Bari) under irrigated and rain-fed conditions, were used for the parameterisation and calibration of the model. The biomass accumulation observed and simulated under rain-fed and irrigated conditions in the different growing areas is reported for the different plant organs, with good correspondence shown between simulated and measured values as reported by the statistical indices for the model calibration, particularly for biomass of tubers and leaves. The model studied, despite a simplified description of some processes, proves to represent the maximum biomass yield of Jerusalem artichoke satisfactorily, with an adequate response to the main environmental factors causing yield and biomass production variation among the years and locations. However, further model improvements are necessary in order to better represent the relationship between phenology and translocation of the assimilates between stalk and tuber during the development phases of the plant, suggesting shorter survey intervals over this growing phase.

Variation of inulin content, inulin yield and water use efficiency for inulin yield in Jerusalem artichoke genotypes under different water regimes

“…Inulin is a polydispers fructan, which has a degree of polymerization between 4-150 (Baldini et al, 2011). The fructans can be used as dietary fiber in the food industry, and fructose resulting drought strongly influenced tuber yield and inulin content (Monti et al, 2005b).…”

“…Our study expected that physiological traits could be useful for improvement of the crop simulation model to enable it to simulate Jerusalem artichoke productivity in different conditions. Baldini et al (2011) suggested that the crop simulation model could be useful as a tool for the planning and risk evaluation of production Jerusalem as a crop for inulin production.…”

Growth and Yield Performance of Jerusalem Artichoke Clones in a Semiarid Region of China

“…J erusalem artichoke is a perennial warm‐season relative of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.), native to temperate regions of North America. This crop is one of the most important crops for industrial inulin production because its carbohydrate‐rich tubers contain 75% inulin on a dry‐weight basis (Kays and Nottingham, 2008; Baldini et al, 2004, 2011).…”

Effective Plant Ages for Screening for Field Resistance to Alternaria Leaf Spot (Caused by Alternaria spp.) under Natural Infection in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)

“…It is a good source of inulin, a sugar which is a linear mixture of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides [2]. The tuber can be used as a raw material for health food products-particularly for diabetics because inulin is not readily absorbed by humans-as well as in animal feed and bioethanol [3,4]. JA is currently classified as a functional food crop in tropical regions [5].…”