Phenotypic Traits and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Jerusalem Artichoke ( Helianthus tuberosus L.) in the Semi-arid Area

Abstract

To speed up breeding process for Jerusalem artichoke in semi-arid area, it is necessary to investigate traits related to yield and photosynthetic characteristics. Four stable lines including two high-yield lines and two low-yield lines were screened as materials, agronomic traits and photosynthesis parameters were determined. The results showed that the tuber yield, shoot biomass and root biomass of Jerusalem artichoke high-yield lines were significantly higher than those of low-yield lines, and the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf number of high-yield lines were also significantly higher than those of low-yield lines, then compared with low-yield lines, the high-yield lines showed a stronger growth vigor. LCP and Rd of high-yield lines were significantly lower than those of low-yield lines, but the difference of other parameters were not significant. Correlation analysis indicated that tuber yield had significantly positive correlation with plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf number, shoot biomass and root biomass, while significantly negative correlation with LCP and Rd. Hence, in semi-arid area more leaf number, larger leaf area and well-developed root system are very important and reliable indicators and lower LCP and Rd are important reference value for breeding high-yield lines in Jerusalem artichoke.