Response of Asparagus Crowns to Ethephon and Gibberellic Acid1

Abstract

Dipping asparagus crowns (Asparagus officinalis L.) in 1000 ppm (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon) solutions before planting significantly increased the number and fresh weight of both shoots and roots in pot studies. Ethephon treatment did not affect time of emergence, height, diameter of the shoots and root length. Of the concentrations tested (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm), the 1000 ppm was the most effective; 750 ppm was partially effective while 250 and 500 ppm were ineffective. Under field conditions, ethephon and/or the potassium salt of gibberellic acid (KGA3) at 1000 ppm, did not affect the time of emergence of shoots from crowns treated before planting. Ethephon was effective in increasing the number of shoots while KGA3 alone or in combination with ethephon was not. Both chemicals reduced stand. Increasing exposure from 15 to 60 minutes increased the effectiveness of ethephon at 1000 ppm on inducing shoot emergence.

Asparagus breeding: Future research needs for sustainable production

“…Bud development in the crown continues during the period of fern growth ( Drost and Wilcox-Lee, 1997 ; Drost, 2020 ), and a portion of these buds will produce spears during the next harvest cycle. Bud break patterns are also controlled by apical dominance ( Tiedjens, 1926 ; Robb, 1984 ; Drost, 2020 ), soil and air temperature ( Environmental issues ), root carbohydrate content ( Shelton and Lacy, 1980 ; Wilson et al., 2008 ), and plant growth regulators ( Mahotiere, 1976 ; Matsubara, 1980 ). Thus, asparagus spears are harvested daily, and when environmental conditions favor rapid growth, twice daily.…”