Genetic variations in germplasm and
genotype * environment interaction (G * E) are
important for crop improvement. The objectives were
to explore genetic variation in Jerusalem artichoke
germplasm and to evaluate G * E interaction for
inulin content. Seventy-nine accessions of Jerusalem
artichoke were evaluated in a randomized complete
block design with two replications for three seasons.
Significant variation in inulin content (55.3–74.0%
dry weight) was observed and the genotypes with
high inulin content could be identified although there
was intermediate G 9 E interaction. Genotypes were
also significantly different for days to maturity, fresh
tuber yield, biomass and harvest index and G 9 E
interactions for these traits were also significant.
The correlation between inulin content and days to
maturity was not significant (r = -0.20), whereas
inulin content and fresh tuber yield were significantly
associated (r = 0.22). JA 37 and CN 52867 are
promising for high yield and inulin content.