Helianthus tuberosus, also known as the Jerusalem artichoke, is in the tertiary genepool of the cultivated sunflower. This makes it difficult to breed Helianthus tuberosus with Helianthus annuus, its cultivated relation.
Helianthus tuberosus has been found to have strong tolerance to stresses such as frost and drought, high yield potential and resistance to several pests and diseases. It also produces edible roots which are traditionally used as a vegetable which is used to make soups, sauces, salads and pickes. [i]
