DOI - Mendel University Press

DOI identifiers

DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-100-6-0220

VLIV TECHNOLOGIE PĚSTOVÁNÍ A ZPŮSOBU SKLADOVÁNÍ NA VYBRANÉ KVALITATIVNÍ PARAMETRY HLÍZ JAKONU (SMALLANTHUS SONCHIFOLIUS)

THE INFLUENCE OF CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY AND STORAGE METHODS ON SELECTED QUALITY PARAMETERS OF YACON TUBERS (SMALLANTHUS SONCHIFOLIUS)

Markéta Kuljová1, Pavel Kasal1, Milan Čížek1
1 Výzkumný ústav bramborářský Havlíčkův Brod, Dobrovského 2366, 580 01 Havlíčkův Brod, Česká republika


Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is cultivated primarily for its sweet, refreshing tubers with low energy value. The nutritionally important properties of yacon tubers include a high content of fructooligosaccharides, inulin, antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds. The leaves have also been reported to possess bioactive compounds with potential medicinal effects. The objective of this study was to determine an appropriate cultivation technology for yacon under the conditions of the potato-growing production area of the Czech Republic. The effects of the applied cultivation technologies on tuber yield and internal tuber quality were also evaluated. In 2024 and 2025, the yield of root tubers of two yacon varieties ranged from 26.8 to 82.7 t·ha⁻¹ depending on the year and fertilization variant. The average yield increase between the variants without nitrogen fertilization and with fertilization at a dose of 100 kg N·ha⁻¹ was higher in 2024 and amounted to 44%. When storing tubers in boxes with controlled temperature and humidity for 95 days, significant changes in quality occurred. The loss of tuber weight ranged between 62 and 82% for tubers stored loosely. When storing tubers in sand, the loss of tuber weight was 28–43%. The values ​​of sugar content of the juice increased during storage. In tubers stored loosely, the sugar content after storage reached up to 40%, which was almost four times the values ​​found at the beginning of storage. Based on the application of the obtained findings, it is possible to select a suitable cultivar and cultivation technology for a specific production objective. Due to its adaptability, resistance to pests and diseases, high yields, and wide range of possible uses, yacon represents a promising crop for farmers seeking alternative crops for cultivation in both conventional and organic farming systems. 

Keywords: yacon, drip irrigation, tuber yield, tuber storage, tuber quality

pages: 220-227, online: 2026



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