Influence of Weeds on Yacon Initial Growth and Development

ABSTRACT: The consumption of yacon has been increasing around the world due to the nutritional and pharmaceutical properties of this plant. The growing commercial interest in yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) generates a demand for crop management research studies, including the effect of weed competition on yacon, which was not yet studied. Thus, this study was performed with the objective of evaluating the effects of weed competition on yacon development and growth. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and seven replicates. Treatments were yacon with the interference of four weed species: Cyperus rotundus L. (nutgrass), Commelina benghalensis L. (tropical spiderwort), Amaranthus viridis L. (slender amaranth) and Bidens pilosa L. (hairy beggarticks). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using 10 dm3 pots. Plant height, number of leaves, number of stems, leaf area, fresh and dry mass weight (total and partial), and chlorophyll A, B and total were evaluated. The weed competition resulted in a decrease in the yacon development (height, number of leaves, number of stems, leaf area), photosynthetic rate (decreased chlorophyll content A, B and total) and yield, as also decreased the accumulation of fresh and dry biomass of tuberous roots. C. benghalensis L. and A. viridis L. were the weeds most affecting the development and growth of yacon.