Spear yield and quality of wild asparagus (Asparagus acutifolius L.) as an understory crop in two olive systems

Paoletti, Andrea; Benincasa, Paolo; Famiani, Franco; Rosati, A.

doi:10.1007/s10457-023-00860-0

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 50 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Moreover, they hold value for apiculture ( Apis mellifera L.) and possess diuretic properties [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Furthermore, they are recognized as potential new crops that are suitable for cultivation in semi-arid Mediterranean environments [ 23 , 24 ]. A. acutifolius predominantly blooms in late summer—specifically, from August to September—thus aligning with the arrival of cooler temperatures and the initial late-summer rains.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Floral Aroma and Pollinator Relationships in Two Sympatric Late-Summer-Flowering Mediterranean Asparagus Species

Llorens,

Tomàs,

Ferriol

et al. 2023

Plants

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This research delves into plant–pollinator relationships within the Mediterranean region, focusing on two synchronous and sympatric asparagus species: A. acutifolius and A. albus. For the first time, the floral scents of the genus Asparagus are reported. We investigate the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in their floral scents and their impact on pollinator attraction. Captured flower-emitted VOCs underwent solid-phase microextraction of headspace (SPME-HS) and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The investigation confirms distinctive aroma profiles for each species. A. albus predominantly emits benzene derivatives and sesquiterpenes, while A. acutifolius is characterized by carotenoid derivatives, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. The only shared compounds between the two species are the sesquiterpenes (Z,E)-α-farnesene and (E,E)-α-farnesene. A positive correlation links peak floral aroma intensity (benzenoids in A. albus and ionones in A. acutifolius) with a higher pollinator visit frequency, emphasizing the critical role of intense floral scents in pollinator attraction. The study of reproductive aspects reveals almost complete gynodioecy in A. acutifolius, influencing unique dynamics for the two species. These adaptations hold significant importance within the Mediterranean ecosystem, particularly during the late dry summer period, when a limited number of plant species vie for a shared primary pollinator.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%