Plant age effect on asparagus yielding in terms of carbohydrate balance

In order to examine the effect of plant age on asparagus yielding, the number and weight of spears were analyzed. The experiment was carried out on 1-, 4- and 7-year-old plants in the aeroponic system with recirculation. The results showed that the spear number and thus also the yield were not plant age dependent, while spear diameter and their weight were. Taking into account both crown weight and the age of plants, a 26% variation in spear diameter and a 27% variation in mean spear weight were explained. Determination of dry weight and carbohydrate contents in storage roots showed these traits to be independent of asparagus plant age, except for total carbohydrate content per plant. During harvest dry weight, % Brix, sucrose, fructan and total carbohydrates contents losses were also recorded.