Variations in morphological and agronomic traits among Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) accessions

• Published in: Genetic resources and crop evolution 2013-02, Vol.60 (2), p.731-746
• Main Authors: Puttha, Ratchanee, Jogloy, Sanun, Suriharn, Bhalang, Wangsomnuk, Preeya Puangsomlee, Kesmala, Thawan, Patanothai, Aran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural production; Agriculture; agronomic traits; Agronomy; Biomass; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Breeding; correlation; Correlation coefficient; Correlation coefficients; crop yield; Crops; Economic importance; Farms; Genetic diversity; Genetic variability; genetic variation; Germplasm; germplasm conservation; Helianthus tuberosus; Inulin; Jerusalem artichokes; Life Sciences; Morphology; Physical characteristics; Plant Genetics and Genomics; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Plant Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography; quantitative traits; Rainy season; Research Article; Seasons; Tubers; wet season
• ISSN: 0925-9864; 1573-5109
• DOI: 10.1007/s10722-012-9870-2

Jerusalem artichoke is a diversely-utilized crop. Selection for high yield, inulin content and other economically important traits are useful for improving this crop. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate genetic variability for qualitative and quantitative traits among Jerusalem artichoke accessions and to identify different groups of accessions using morphological and agronomic traits. Seventy-nine accessions were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with two replications in the late rainy season 2008, the early rainy season 2009 and the late rainy season 2009 at Khon Kaen University agronomy farm, Thailand. Morphological and agronomic characteristics were evaluated for genetic variations. High variations were found among Jerusalem artichoke accessions for qualitative and quantitative characters, and selection for these characters is possible. High variations were observed for tuber width, number of tubers/plant, biomass, fresh tuber yield and tuber size. Correlation coefficient between fresh tuber yield and tuber size was positive and significant (0.58, P ≤ 0.01). Improvement of tuber size is a means to improve yield and tuber quality. Based on morphological and agronomic characteristics, Jerusalem artichoke accessions were clustered into four distinct groups (R² = 0.88). These groups may be used as parental material to generate progenies for further improvement of this crop. This information will enable breeders to make informed decisions about possible heterotic groups for their breeding programs and germplasm conservation.