Effects of different mowing dates of plant top on tuber yield of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different mowing dates of plant top on tuber yield of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L) during 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. The experiment was designed according to the “split plots on randomized complete block” experimental design with three replications. Three different mowing dates [a: August 18 (before flowering), b: September 21 (beginning of flowering), c: October 20 (full flowering) and k: control (not-mowing)] and two varieties [red (K) and white (A) skin local Jerusalem artichoke] were taken as factors. Tuber yield and yield components were higher in the first mowing date and control than in the second and third mowing dates in 2005, 2006 and in the average of 2005 to 2006. Two years average maximum tuber yields per decare were 5149.78 kg in the control plots and 3327.27 kg in the plots of red skin of Jerusalem artichoke. The results suggest that first mowing date and control are suitable mowing times for tuber yield.

Key words: Jerusalem artichoke, mowing dates, tuber yield, dry matter yield.