The interactive effect of potassium application rate and Jerusalem artichoke
Local and Fuseau cultivars on plant growth, tuber yield, tuber chemical constituent
and storability was studied during 1995 and 1996. Potassium levels of 24,48 and 72
kg K20. Fed-¹ were used in both years. In addition, 96 kg K₂0. Fed -1 was
investigated during 1996. Local cultivar showed higher foliage FW than Fuseau, in
contrast to plant height. Local cultivar growth parameters responded positively with
the increased levels of potassium application up to 96 kg K20. Fed-\ during 1996.
Tuber yield of the Fuseau cultivar was 50 and 27% higher than that of the Local one,
during 1995 and 1996, respectively. The respective increases in tuber dry matter of Local cultivar than Fuseau
were 1.5 and 3%, respectively. At 180 DAP, the highest potassium rate during 1995
and 1996 Significantly (P~0.05) enhanced tuber yield and dry matter, than other rates.
Results also indicated that Local cultivar tuber yield increased as potassium level was
elevated from 24 to 48 and 72 kg K20. Fed-¹ as compared with Fuseau, during 1995.
In contrast to inulin content, Local cultivar tubers showed greater total carbohydrate
and total protein than those of Fuseau. The application of 96 kg K20. Fed-¹ increased tuber inulin and total
carbohydrate, whereas that of 24 kg K20. Fed·¹ enhanced total protein only. In
contrast to tuber protein, inulin and total carbohydrate were increased as harvest was
delayed to 180 DAP. As storage period was prolonged, percentage of sprouted tubers, decay
loss, weight loss and total weight loss were increased. In contrast to room
temperature (24°C), tuber sprouting, weight loss and total weight loss were retarded
under cold storage (10°C). Heedless of storage conditions, Local cultivar showed
higher percentage of sprouted tubers and different losses than Fuseau. On the
contrarytothoseof96 kg K20. Fed-¹, tubers of 24 kg K20. Fed-¹ exhibited higher
sprouting but lower percentage of different losses. Tubers stored with moistened peat moss, under room temperature,
demonstrated higher percentage of sprouted tubers but lower decay, weight and total
weight loss than their corresponding without peat moss. Under cold storage, tubers
stored with moistened peat moss in polyethylene bags displayed lower decay, weight
and total weight loss than those with peat moss in carton boxes. For fresh market, it
is recommended to apply 96 kg K₂0. Fed·¹, to enhance tuber yield and quality. If
tubers have to be stored for a period of time, it is advisable to use Fuseau tubers of
48 kg K20. Fed-¹ packed in polyethylene bags with moistened peat moss and stored
at 10°C cold storage.