Growers gain international outlook

ASPARAGUS International took the opportunity last month to host an agronomy day for asparagus growers. The day consisted of a field visit to see some of the latest varieties being trialed, and also to discuss the latest developments in fertilisation and crop protection.

Peter Knight, of Asparagus International, could think of no better place to begin the day's proceedings than in the 100-acre field of Jersey Giant at New England Farm in Snape, Suffolk.

Besides the Jersey Giant, Knight explained that big things are hoped for the new varieties that are being trialed. He says: "We have several varieties that we are working on at the moment, which are similar to Jersey Giant. The first of these is Knight, which is a darker colour - more purple - than Giant, but it harvests marginally later.

“We also have Deluxe, of which we are hoping to have a limited amount commercially available next year. Supreme is another variety that we have which was initially introduced in trials in 2000 - this again is slightly darker in colour. It is now essential to decide whether the product is suitable for supermarkets, and it is an important time for this variety."

Asparagus International sends seeds for trials across various countries including Spain, France, Italy and Chile. Knight says: "By trialing across various climates it will provide us information on how varieties perform under different temperatures. We are fully aware that the season needs extending. On a farm in West Norfolk we are setting up an extensive trial with 174 breeding lines, asparagus that has been grown successfully in other countries. We want to see if we can repeat this success in the UK."

Knight adds that agronomy afternoons allow growers from across the UK to come together and discuss any issues they feel are pertinent with fellow growers. It also allows them to learn the latest technological developments that can assist the industry.

One of the day's speakers was Andrew Eccles, an agronomist at Omex. The company is the largest independent suspension and liquid fertiliser manufacturer in the UK. Eccles discussed the importance of correctly fertilising the asparagus crop. He says: "It is important that before planting takes place that growers obtain a soil sample, and to assess magnesium and PH levels."

Eccles also highlighted the benefits of the Omex product Rootboost. He says: "This can improve the growing process by the stimulation of roots."

Andrew Taylor, an agronomist at Hutchinsons, is involved with a variety of crops including asparagus. His advice was there is a need to improve communications between themselves and growers. He says: "It is important that the growers communicate to us when they feel they require additional products that will assist them in their work."

Taylor took the growers through a range of products that can assist their growing process. He also warned the growers that good airflow among the asparagus is crucial to its development. "Poor airflow can help a variety of diseases and pests to thrive within the plant."

Irrigation is an additional area requiring greater attention. Taylor says: "Growers should be irrigating much more than they currently are. Better irrigation can improve spear quality, particularly during dry periods. The colour of asparagus may look a little darker due to the slowing the crop.

“It is beneficial to look at what is going on elsewhere in the world, particularly in drier growing regions in the US, such as California and Arizona to see what they are doing differently."

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