Multiannual, Multilocational Trials of Jerusalem Artichoke in the South of Ireland: Soil, pH and Potassium

ABSTRACT Jerusalem artichoke ( Helianthus tuberosus L.) has been evaluated as a European biomass crop from Denmark to Greece and east to Yugoslavia but it has not been studied in detail in the cool wet maritime regions of the Community. In this project the potential of Jerusalem artichoke as a local biomass crop for use in Ireland as a fermentation substrate, pig feed and cattle silage was evaluated. The results for three years of trials will be reported with reference to the determinants of yield and the incidence of disease in the field. A summary of the biotechnological methods used to produce and clone disease-free stock is presented.