Photosynthesis of field-grown Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorriza Bancroft) cultivars in relation to root-yield

There has been limited research on measuring potential differences in leaf gas exchange of Arracacha (Peruvian parsnip, Arracacia xanthorriza Bancroft) cultivars, as affected by different environments, as well as its relation to storage root-yield. The present paper reports field measurements of leaf CO2 assimilation rates (A) for five contrasting cultivars grown at two different high-altitude locations. Using a design of plots chosen at random with three repetitions, commercial root production was determined in the two locations at different altitude (1580 and 1930 m). Daily leaf gas exchange was repeatedly monitored with a portable open-mode infrared gas analyzer at different times in both locations during the growth cycle. Root-yield, leaf area and dry weight were measured. Significant differences in leaf photosynthetic rate and in specific leaf area (SLA) were observed among cultivars. Cultivars with high SLA, had high CO2 assimilation. Mean (An) and total (Atot) of CO2 assimilation and SLA were significantly correlated with storage root-yield across cultivars and locations. The three cultivars with the greatest commercial root production also had the highest maximum values for A and the highest specific leaf area, indicating that these two parameters can be used to select for highly productive cultivars of A. xanthorriza.