SELECTION CRITERIA
Identification of critical traits to be selected for in a breeding program and estimates of their relative heritability are essential steps in the pragmatic development of new cultivars. For example, instability of inulin yields with location or year, susceptibility to leaf diseases, irregular tuber shape, and harvesting difficulties arising from the close attachment of the tubers to the base of the stalks are all factors that limit Jerusalem artichoke productivity (Le Cochec, 1988). However, high
variability has been observed for most characteristics, suggesting that there is good potential for genetic improvement. The following are important breeding objectives (not necessarily listed in order of importance).