
These discussions are already commonplace in many parts of intensive horticultural production, not least glasshouse and berry culture. However, asparagus growing has often found itself between intensive and more extensive farming. This is set to change as growers focus on improved efficiencies. This new generation of better asparagus cultivars will play a key role.
UK based Global Plant Genetics, is at the forefront of these developments as it is working on the development of new asparagus hybrids for a range of climatic regions. Jamie Petchell, asparagus specialist at the company, highlights four hybrids that clearly demonstrate their part in this new generation, namely Guelph Eclipse, Guelph Equinox, Greenic and Vittorio. He stated, “these are exciting times in the European asparagus sector and we are delighted to be at the leading edge of varietal development. The improvements we have witnessed on a commercial scale from these four asparagus varieties are stark. Going forward, they will change the way in which asparagus growers write their yield budgets before planting.”
In the meantime, European asparagus growers are busy preparing their fields in advance of the new harvest season which is just around the corner.
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