TOTAL REDUCING SUGAR, FRUCTOSE AND GLUCOSE CONCENTRATIONS AND ROOT YIELD OF TWO CHICORY CULTIVARS AS AFFECTED BY IRRIGATION, FERTILIZER AND HARVEST DATES

Abstract

The effects of several management practices on the carbohydrate composition and root yield of two chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) cultivars were investigated during two successive seasons. Supplemental irrigation and fertilizer did not affect the carbohydrate quality and yield parameters. The two cultivars varied considerably in their performance in the 2 yr, ranging from 17.4 to 19.2% in total reducing sugars of which 79.2–81.9% was fructose and 18.1–20.8% was glucose. Root yields ranged from 20.08 to 35.68 T/ha. Delayed harvesting in both years increased root yield, total reducing sugars and glucose concentrations but decreased fructose concentration. Chicory has the potential of producing a good quality carbohydrate product and deserves serious consideration as a high fructose crop.