ISHS Acta Horticulturae 629: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: The Future for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE (HELIANTHUS TUBEROSUS L.) AND CHICORY (CICHORIUM INTYBUS L.): POTENTIAL CROPS FOR INULIN PRODUCTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA |
| Authors: | G. De Mastro, G. Manolio, V. Marzi |
| Keywords: | irrigation, harvest time, roots, tubers, growth, carbohydrates, biomass |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.629.47 |
| Abstract:
Chicory and Jerusalem artichoke are among the best crops for inulin production. Inulin and other polyfructosides are mainly used for the production of high-fructose syrups, foods and for the production of ethanol and in the non-food industry. This work reports on field trials conducted over a 2-yr period (1999-2000) on chicory and Jerusalem artichoke in south Italy at Policoro (40° 13’ N, 16° 45’ E, 15 m a.s.l.), a typical Mediterranean area. The aim of the study was to determine the biomass and carbohydrates’ dynamics of both species, and define the most suitable growing techniques for the highest inulin production. The main agronomic factors (irrigation and harvest time) were investigated. Crop yields were influenced by the growing techniques tested, and promising results were achieved especially in terms of inulin quality. | |
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