Sprouting Condition of Crown Bud and Plug Seedling Production in Yacon

The objectives of this study were to find the sprouting condition and to establish the optimum production methods of plug seedlings in yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia Poepp. & Endl.). The sprouting ratio was greatest at $30\pm 1^{\circ}C$ at 20 days after planting. Crowns with single buds were more effective than those with two or more buds for sprouting, which might be due to the apical dominance. Planting the shoots separated from crown after sprouting in the single- and double-layer polyethylene-covered greenhouses reduced seedling period with 25% and 50%, respectively. Planting the shoots after sprouting was more effective than planting the crown buds. Double-layer polyethylene-covered green-house was good for plug seedling production than open field or single-layer polyethylene-covered greenhouse. The bed soils composed of clay loam : compost or sand : compost (1:l=v:v) were more effective to produce plug seedlings than only clay loam, sand or compost. Seedlings could be produced at 30 days after planting in our studies.