Asparagus officinalis (L.): yield and field performance of 10 genotypes cultivated in a semi-arid environment

Asparagus officinalis (L.) (Asparagaceae) is widely cultivated throughout the world, mostly as a traditional food item but, in recent times, also due to its acknowledged many benefits for human health. In Mediterranean environments, this crop proved able to achieve high spear yields, which in many cases may be marketed earlier than competing products, with a significant advantage for local growers. Although the cropping technique of A. officinalis has already been deepened, there is still scarce knowledge about the year-to-year productive stability of the main commercial cultivars in the pedoclimatic conditions of the southern regions of Italy, potentially suitable to the cultivation of this species. This research aimed to provide local farmers with useful information to facilitate the introduction of this species in their farming systems, also giving information about the major factors affecting yield outcomes in these environments. A 3-year cultivation trial was therefore carried out, comparing the productive performances of 10 genotypes of A. officinalis (‘UC157’, ‘Purple’, ‘Italo’, ‘Darbella’, ‘Giove’, ‘Placoseps’, ‘Grande’, ‘Jaleo’, ‘NJ953’ and ‘Atlas’). For experimental purposes, a randomized complete block design was adopted. The results showed that the farming suitability of A. officinalis in the Mediterranean environment is highly variable among cultivars.