I have been growing Apios americana (ground nuts) in 55 gallon tubes. I also have been growing Jerusalem Artichokes in 55 gallon tubes.
They have been growing side by side in the same soil mix and getting the same watering for two years.
Vines have been growing up the chokes without killing them.
This fall I am planting new tubs with a large ground nut in the middle and four chokes tubers in each corner.
From what I have read the groundnuts use the chokes as a host without harming them.
Now I have chokes in my yard that are over nine feet tall. They are a favorite food of my poultry that eat all the lower leaves.
The ground nuts have not been eaten by my birds yet. So I am thinking, if I can get this to work I can grow both plants and harvest on a two year cycle.
I will have to use nematodes in the fall to deal with grubs I get in the chokes. Outside of that I do not see any issues.

Please comment on this approach since I am working on additional tubs of groundnuts and chokes this weekend.
I finally have enough ground nuts to make a real test and my chokes are a proven crop.

Alex Keenan : mostly people have knee jerk reactions as soon as they hear about nematodes, Basically, the only good nematode is a dead nematode !

That attitude is pretty common around here can you recommend something to study to bring us up to speed ? - in haste Big AL

Alex I planted groundnuts with the sunchokes and as a polyculture I think it is working so far. I think Eric Toensmeier tries this approach as well but the video I was searching for I could only find him using hog peanut and Chinese artichoke. I have mint in the mix as well for no other reason than its close to the house and easy to pick. I'd be curious on your future success.

I have used parasitc nematodes off and on for over a decade. I generally only use them when I have a grub issue or to reduce fleas.
There are different species of parasitic nematodes and several companies that produce them.

Below are some links to get you started.

http://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/bugs/documents/nematodes-for-grub-control-maine.pdf

http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/white-grubs-lawns

Nematodes for insect control
http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/nematodes.html

YouTube video
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCoQtwIwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSgnTRp5TmYc&ei=Kf1AVOyPHuGr8gHSkIDwCQ&usg=AFQjCNGT5MvVDNPTBWTY5eRFFvA6CqCIMQb


Some different species of parasite nematodes you can purchase
http://www.groworganic.com/weed-pest-control/beneficial-insects/beneficial-nematodes.html

Alex doing a quick search you could try planting marigolds, dahlias or chrysanthemums. Supposed kill bad nematodes. Since you're planting in tubs perhaps some experimenting would be good.

My issue is a one inch grub likely a moth larva.
Would marigolds, dahlias or chrysanthemums help keep moths away?

I know the parasitic nematode I buy from time to time will kill larva but not impact tubers.