Control of Weeds in Jerusalem Artichokes

Biology and Chemistry of Jerusalem Artichoke Helianthus tuberosus L. 

Herbicides Tested for Weed Control in Jerusalem Artichoke 

Currently no herbicides are cleared for use in the U.S. to control weeds in Jerusalem artichokes. Preliminary tests with several herbicides have been reported (Table 12.1). For example, the cultivar Columbia displayed satisfactory tolerance to preplant incorporated treatments of chloramben, S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC), ethalfluralin, pendimethalin, and trifluralin, although metribuzin resulted in considerable damage, manifested as chlorosis and necrosis of leaf margins, and reduced plant height. Tuber yield, however, was not increased by weed control, whether via herbicides or hand weeding, when compared to weedy control treatments (Wall et al., 1987). 

Jerusalem artichoke therefore has a high tolerance of weed competition, especially when weed populations are low and comprised of relatively low growing species or those that do not develop early in the spring. Under these conditions, Jerusalem artichokes generally can be grown without the use of herbicides. 

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