Concentrations of some chemical components in white asparagus spears depending on the cultivar and post-harvest irrigation treatments

Abstract

The effect of post-harvest irrigation and genotype on the quality components of white asparagus spears was investigated. The field experiment was conducted in 2003-2008 on a very light soil in the Bydgoszcz region. The research was based on a two-factorial split-plot design with randomly selected sub-main blocks. The first studied factor was irrigation applied as two treatments: drip irrigation and microsprinkler irrigation.Non-irrigated plants were tested as the control. The second factor considered was genotype represented by three male cultivars of the garden asparagus: 'Gijnlim', 'Ramos' and 'Vulkan'. The irrigation started after the harvest of the spears, while the concentrations of chemical ingredients were measured in the white spears collected in the next growing period. The level of the tested components was significantly influenced by both factors studied. The average amounts of dry matter, potassium, iron and nitrates measured in the white spears were 6.37%, 268.9 mg 100 g -1 f.m., 0.29 mg 100 g -1 f.m. and 62.1 mg kg -1 f.m., respectively. Compared to the control, both irrigation treatments considerably increased the dry matter and potassium contents. The irrigation reduced the amount of nitrates, although the microsprinkler irrigation gave better results than the drip irrigation. The highest concentrations of potassium and iron were measured in the spears of 'Ramos', especially in the case of drip-irrigated (potassium) and non-irrigated (iron) plants. The amount of dry matter was high in the spears of 'Ramos', while 'Vulkan' presented a low tendency to accumulate nitrates.Ke y wo r d s: Asparagus officinalis, drip irrigation, dry matter, iron, microsprinkler irrigation, nitrates, potassium

Effect of Subsurface Drip Fertigation with Nitrogen on the Yield of Asparagus Grown for the Green Spears on a Light Soil in Central Poland

“…In an experiment on microirrigation and nitrogen fertilization with other German cultivars of asparagus carried out in the same soil and climatic conditions [8] the irrigation treatments significantly reduced the number of nitrates in asparagus spears. There were significant differences among the cultivars tested.…”

“…As in most crops, the most important nutrients for asparagus growth are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) [7]. As a result, the specific method of cultivation, i.e., harvesting of spears in early spring, the height and quality of asparagus sprouts depend on the number of ingredients stored in asparagus' rootstocks during the vegetation period of the previous year [4,6,8].…”

Response of Chosen American Asparagus officinalis L. Cultivars to Drip Irrigation on the Sandy Soil in Central Europe: Growth, Yield, and Water Productivity

“…Maximum asparagus production possibilities can be achieved by applying organic and mineral fertilization adapted to species nutritional needs and ensuring optimal humidity, with the use of irrigation supplementing deficiency in precipitation. Due to the specific method of cultivation, i.e., harvesting of spears in early spring, the height and quality of asparagus sprouts depend on the amount of ingredients stored in asparagus rootstocks during the growing season of the previous year [1][2][3].…”

“…On the other hand, asparagus, as a light soil plant, reacts very positively to irrigation treatments, which are used in the postharvest period, usually from June to August, in the climatic and soil conditions of Central Europe. Postharvest irrigation significantly increases the yield of asparagus spears in the following year [3,4,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

Effect of Drip Fertigation with Nitrogen on Yield and Nutritive Value of Melon Cultivated on a Very Light Soil

“…Drip irrigation combined with fertigation is a good way to increase the efficiency of water use and yield of Cucurbitaceae. It was also found that drip irrigation performed during the cultivation of Cucurbitaceae and other vegetables sensitive to climatic conditions during the growing season clearly increases their nutrient concentration [19,20]. Drip fertigation ensures precise administration of appropriate amounts of nutrients directly to the root zone.…”