Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat-396 450, India
*Corresponding author’s e-mail: drsudhapatil@nau.in
A study was conducted to evaluate asparagus genotypes for growth, yield and quality traits with an objective to find out suitable genotype for cut foliage production under South Gujarat conditions at Floriculture Research Farm, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari for three successive years. An experiment included five genotypes which was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications and observations were recorded. Significant variation was observed among asparagus genotypes for vegetative, yield and qualitative parameters. Among the genotypes, G5: Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' recorded maximum plant spread in E-W and N-S directions, highest yield of cut foliage, maximum leaf longevity and highest net return. However, G3: Asparagus setaceus syn. Plumosus exhibited superior vase life and plant quality rating. The results indicated that among all the genotypes studied, Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' is the most suitable for commercial cultivation due to higher yield and economic returns, while Asparagus setaceus syn. Plumosus is preferable for ornamental use owing to its superior aesthetic quality.
Asparagus, Cut foliage, Genotypes, Vase life, Aesthetic quality
