ISHS Acta Horticulturae 271: VII International Asparagus Symposium
EVALUATION OF MALE AND FEMALE ASPARAGUS PLANTS. INTEREST IN OBTAINING MALE OR DIOECIOUS HYBRIDS |
| Author: | M.L. González Castañón |
| Abstract:
Asparagus is a cross-pollinated dioecious crop where male plants are more productive than female ones. The purpose of this experiment was studying whether this general behaviour was valid for fourteeen single cross hybrids under evaluation. Forty plants (male and female) of each hybrid were studied. Recordings were made on the number and diameter of the stalks in the fall, and number and diameter of spears in the following spring. In thirteen out of the fourteen hybrids, the number of stalks in male plants was significantly higher than female plants. In eleven hybrids, the diameter of the stalks was statistically thicker in female plants. The number of spears proved to be significantly higher in male plants of ten hybrids. Female plants produced a higher number of very thick spears in four hybrids, while the higher number of thin spears was produced by male plants of seven hybrids. Concerning total yield, only in three out of the fourteen hybrids, male plants produced more than female ones. We have concluded that though in general terms, male plants are more productive than female ones, this does not always aply for all hybrids tested. Therefore, it will be necessary to decide which hybrids are interesting to be produced as dioecious or as all-male hybrids. | |
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