ISHS Acta Horticulturae 415: VIII International Asparagus Symposium
INITIAL STUDIES OF ASPARAGUS PRODUCTION IN WESTERN SAMOA |
| Authors: | W.T. Bussell, M.J. Bonin |
| Abstract:
Harvest strategy, growth analysis and cultivar evaluation studies have involved transplanting 8- and 11-week-old seedlings, making a first harvest seven, nine and 11 months after transplanting, and a second harvest after a four month fern growth period. Initial results indicate that a 10-day harvest period for the first harvest cycle and an 18-day harvest period for the second harvest cycle are appropriate for Western Samoan conditions. These harvest cycles are shorter than those found from the main production areas of Peru at similar (8–12°S) latitudes. Seventeen cultivars selected from United States, Taiwan and New Zealand sources are being evaluated. The highest percentage of straight 230mm-long spears with closed tips has been obtained from a few Californian, Taiwanese, and New Zealand cultivars. Harvesting twice daily was necessary to obtain good quality spears, as spears grow up to 190mm in a 24-hour period under Western Samoan conditions. Growth analysis studies, involving approximately monthly shoot and crown measurements from sowing, have shown that asparagus plants would rarely become dormant under normal climatic conditions. Initial results indicate that asparagus production in Western Samoa could have considerable harvest time and, therefore, export flexibility. | |
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