Irrigation, pests, diseases and weeds
Daily irrigation will be required on free-draining sandy soils at rates that at least replace daily evaporation. Sprinkler or drip irrigation is suitable but sprinkler standpipes will need to be at least 2m high. If using drip irrigation, there should be at least two drippers per plant either side of the main stem.
Comprehensive information on the principles of irrigating vegetable crops in WA can be found on the vegetablesWA website.
Jerusalem artichokes are slightly affected by caterpillars, nematodes, slugs and two-spotted mites.
Stored tubers may be affected by dry rot.
Cultivate between rows to control weeds when plants are young. The last cultivation should be before the plants are 1m high. At this stage, the tubers begin to form around the base of the plant and must not be disturbed. Artichoke plants will shade out most weeds from this stage to maturity.
The registration and availability of chemicals for pest, disease and weed control changes regularly. Consult a trained and experienced horticultural agronomist or the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) website for chemicals which are currently registered or have a permit for use on this crop.
The information on the label or permit for a chemical must be followed, including the directions for use, critical use comments, withholding period and maximum residue limit. Quality assurance schemes for horticultural crop production require producers to have current information on chemical registrations and permits readily available.