Variability of the Main Economically Valuable Characteristics of Cyperus esculentus L. in Various Ecological and Geographical Conditions

Abstract

This study includes an assessment of the VIR (Center N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources) chufa collection, grown in various ecological and geographical conditions of the Russian Federation: “Yekaterininskaya experimental station VIR” in the Tambov region and “Kuban experimental station VIR” in the Krasnodar Region during the years 2020–2021. The main indicators of the economic value of chufa accessions were studied: yield structure and nutritional value (oil, protein, starch, and fatty acid profile). The accessions were grown in regions with different climatic conditions. As a result of the study, the variability of the biochemical and yield characteristics and the correlation between the studied indicators and the factor structure of its variability were established. Of the 20 accessions used in the study, the accessions with the highest protein, starch, oil and unsaturated fatty acid contents were selected, which are the most promising for their use as a raw material to expand the range of regional functional food products, as well as for future breeding efforts in the development of new, promising regional chufa varieties.

Improving Tuber Yield of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) through Nitrogen Fertilization in Sandy Farmland

“…This research highlights that the most effective N fertilizer treatment for maximizing yield primarily works by increasing the number of individual grains and stolon tillering, thereby leading to a high yield outcome ( Table 1 ). Hence, to optimize tiger nut yield formation, a crucial strategy involves increasing the seed count per planting hole and stolon tillering while balancing the 100-seed weight of tubers [ 8 , 9 ]. Consequently, maintaining a steady N nutrient supply during the tuber phase and encouraging tuber formation are essential steps toward achieving a high yield.…”

“…Tiger nut plants have remarkable adaptability, a high yield, and reproductivity in less fertile areas, and they thrive in fertile soils and are arable in sandy soils. Therefore, the cultivation of tiger nut on marginal land characterized by non-arable property is a potential strategy to both enhance carbon sequestration and alleviate food shortage [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. The cultivation of tiger nuts on marginal lands is of critical importance; however, sandy soils present a significant challenge to the growth of tiger nuts.…”