The influence of leaf removal on tuber yield and fuel characteristics of Helianthus tuberosus L. in a semi-arid area

Abstract

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is an important source of biomass for bioethanol production. To evaluate the potential, feedstock and tuber yield, calorific value, and ash content were investigated using different leaf removal treatments in 2013 and 2014 in Inner Mongolia, China. Tuber yield was significantly higher in plants from which the lower 1/3 and 1/4 of the leaves were removed than that in control plants. Tuber yield decreased significantly when an even number or the flank 1/2 of the leaves were removed. Highest tuber yields were obtained under the lower 1/3 leaf removal treatment: 163.98\u2009g/plant in 2013 — 97.40% greater than that of the control treatment, and 149.68\u2009g/plant in 2014. Calorific value and ash content of each plant organ did not vary among leaf removal treatments. Further, calorific values of the stems and tubers were higher than those of other organs, including roots, leaves, and flowers (P <0.05). Leaves showed the lowest calorific values but the highest ash content. Stem and tuber ash was lower than in other organs, while calorific value and ash content were inversely correlated. Our results suggest that removing the lower 1/4 to 1/3 of the leaves is a feasible method for improving Jerusalem artichoke tuber yield and quality.