Helianthus tuberosus L., as an Alternative to Climate Change in Romania

Abstract

In a world of unpredictable weather, with more and more vulnerable species to abiotic and biotic stresses, we should reconsider taking a glance to species more resilient to climate change and biotic stresses. Helianthus tuberosus L. is considered a weed and an invasive species of the family Asteraceae, but is also a plant with considerable strong stress resistance and nutritional value. The aim of the present study was to screen four genotypes of H. tuberosus L. bred at Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau to biotic and abiotic stresses for a period of two years. Also, the tubers quality was analysed in our laboratories. The Jerusalem artichoke was grown on non-irrigated area and the crop production was dependent on rain-fed irrigation. It was noticed, that the genotypes were resilient to drought and the yield wasn’t compromised. The pest infestation was only seen on early spring when the rodents attacked the tubers, and during the vegetation period no insects have damaged the crops. Concerning infectious plant disease, it was noticed powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum), on late summer and only two varieties of Jerusalem artichoke was vulnerable. In our study, the Jerusalem artichoke showed once again that it should be taken into consideration as a climate change response species.