ISHS Acta Horticulturae 589: X International Asparagus Symposium
ASPIRENZ: A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ROOT CARBOHYDRATE IN ASPARAGUS |
| Authors: | D.R. Wilson, C.G. Cloughley, S.M. Sinton |
| Keywords: | Asparagus officinalis L., www.aspirenz.com, database, storage roots, Brix%, annual growth cycle |
| Abstract:
The gain and loss of soluble carbohydrate (CHO) in the storage roots drives the performance of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.). Growth of spears and ferns during the crop’s annual cycle is associated with a characteristic pattern of depletion and accumulation of root CHO content. Deviations from the normal pattern usually indicate that crop performance is below optimum, and can be used to help diagnose and resolve problems. This paper describes AspireNZ, a decision support system (DSS) that uses these principles to help increase the yield of asparagus crops through better management of root CHO. The system does not make decisions – it interprets information about crops and suggests options to help users reach the best decisions. The DSS has three main elements: a simple method for assessing the CHO status of roots; information about how to interpret the results and use them to help make management decisions; and an interactive computer system that is deployed on the Internet (www.aspirenz.com). Other features include a database which retains information about each crop registered with the system. The information can be retrieved at any time so that users can retrospectively evaluate the effects on crop performance of previous management decisions. Examples are presented illustrating the benefits of using AspireNZ to help make crop management decisions. The DSS is being used by growers in New Zealand. In the future, after appropriate testing and modification, it could be made available in other asparagus production areas of the world. | |
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