Yield evaluation and spear height opening of fifteen asparagus genotypes in their fourth year of harvest

Abstract

Yield results, as well as height of spear head opening and other spear parameters, of fifteen asparagus genotypes, in their fourth year ofharvest, under Valdivia conditions,are presented. Jersey Giant, Gynlim, and Jersey Jewel gave the highest yields if both, total yield and number of spears per plant, are considered together; higher than 6 ton/ha and more than 14 spears/plant, respectively; on the contrary, UC 72 (UACh), Jersey General, J.Centennial, J.Knight, and Boonlim appear as lowest. Plant survival was not different for the different genotypes, but it was for the spear yield per surviving plant; in this sense, Jersey Jewel (0.65 kg/plant but with 57.78% plant survival) and Jersey Giant (0.54 kg/ plant and 68.89% plant survival) were noticeable better. Daily spear elongation was not different for the genotypes, ranging from 3.11 to 3.94 cm in the second date of measurement (average daily temperature of 11.7°C), and from 6.50 to 9.74 cm in the third date (18.1°C). Spear height opening, in average, was different for the different genotypes, being UC 72 (UACh) the one that does it at a higher height; on the contrary, Boonlim and Huchels S do it at lower.