BIBLIOGRAPHY TELCAG, BRENDA E....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
TELCAG, BRENDA E. MAY 2011. Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus
officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance under La Trinidad Benguet condition.
Benguet State University, La Trinidad Benguet.
Adviser: Fernando B. Gonzales, PhD.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted at Horticulture thesis area, Benguet State University, La
Trinidad Benguet. From November 2010 to April 2011 to determine the growth and yield
of asparagus as affected by planting distance, and to determine the planting distance that
would produce the optimum five months after transplanting.
Result of the study showed that plants spaced at 50cm x 40 cm had higher number
of marketable spears per plant and resulting to heavier yield per plot (1m x 3) of 254.30g
followed by plants distanced at 50cm x 50cm (204.97g) in two month harvesting period.
Asparagus plant planted at 50cm x 40cm and 50cm x 50cm between hills and
rows out yielded the other treatments including the farmers practice in terms of
marketable spears.
1
INTRODUCTION
Asparagus officinalis L. is a flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus from
where the vegetable known as asparagus spears is obtained. It is native to most of Europe,
Northern Africa and Western Asia and is now widely cultivated as a vegetable crop.
Asparagus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 99.6-149.80 cm tall with
short lateral stems and with much branched feathery foliage. The leaves are in fact needle
like modified stems in the axils of scales leaves; they are 6-32 cm, (0.5-3 cm) long a 1mm
(0.39 ins.) broad and clustered 4-15 leave together. Its roots are tuberous. The flower are
bell shaped, greenish-white to yellow, 4.5-6.5 mm. (0.4-0-9 cm) long, with six partially
fused together at the base. They are produced singly or in cluster of 5-7.5 cm. the
junctions of the small branches. It is usually dioecious with male and female flowers on
separate plants but sometimes hermaphrodite flowers are found. The fruit is small red
berry 6-1 diameter. The plants are native to Western Coast of Europe from Northern Spain
to Ireland, Great Britain and Norwest Germany ate treated as vegetable. Asparagus
officinalis subsp. (Dumort) Corb is distinguished by its low growing, often prostate stem
growing to only 30-70 cm high, shorter modified stems 2-18 mm (0,079-0.71 cm) long. It
is treated as distinct species. Asparagus offinalis L. Has been used from the early times as
a vegetable crop and medicine crop owing to its delicate flower and diuretic properties. It
was cultivated ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who ate it fresh when it is season
and dried the vegetable for use in winter. Only the young shoots as Asparagus are eaten.
Asparagus is low in Calories, contains no cholesterol and is very low in sodium. It is good
source of folic acid, potassium dietary fiber and lutien. The amino acid aspergines get its
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
2
name from Asparagus, the Asparagus plant being rich in this compound. The shoots are
prepared and served in a number of ways around the world (Hartman and Kester, 1995).
The study was conducted to determine: 1) the effect of plant spacing on the growth
and yield of Asparagus; and to ascertain the best plant spacing for asparagus for
production under La Trinidad, Benguet condition.
The study was conducted at the Horticulture thesis area from November 2010-
April 2011.
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Botany of Asparagus
Asparagus is a herbaceous perennial plant 50-150cm tall. The stem is erect smooth
with many branches; branches always form a sharp angle with the stem. Lateral twigs are
flattened and substitute for the leaves. The axils branch is thin, straight, filiform
phyllocladia, 1-3 cm in length, set in bundles, 3-6 cm each. The plant is dioecious.
Flowers are settled in the axils of lateral twigs. Male flowers are half in the size. Its fruit is
a berry or brick-red color, 8 mm in diameter. Blossoms beginning in mid June. Berries
ripen gradually. The plant is usually cross- pollinated; pollen is transported by insects,
mainly Bess; but wind pollination is possible (Geirenko and Shilova, 1988).
Growth Habit
Asparagus prefers sunny conditions and a loose, well drained soil. It tolerates
heavier clay soils as long as the soil has good drainage and the water table does not come
within four feet of the surface, which would interfere with the plants extensive and deep
root system. The ideal pH range for asparagus is between 6.7 and 7.5. It does not tolerate
acid soil and will not grow well at pH of less than 6.0. A soil pH maintained at 7.0 or
above will reduce the effects of fusarium crown and root rot, a fungal disease that
contributes to asparagus decline. Asparagus dies not decline with a lot of water once it has
become established, and it tolerates brackish water and moderately saline conditions. The
garden site may be in vegetable plot or along fence or wall, where the fern like foliage will
form an attractive low screen (Paul, 1999).
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
4
Crop Culture
Asparagus seed are usually sown in a sterilized soil mixture containing ½ sterilized
soil, ¼ peat sand, or a commercially peat-lite “The Cornell mix (1/2 peat, ½ vermiculate)
works well for asparagus seeds. The planting depth of asparagus seeds is critical. Seeds
are sown one per cell, placing it to ½ to 5/8 cm below the top of the soil to keep the seed
pushing itself out. The crowns should be planted at least 30-45 cm apart, in single rows,
with distance the rows. Two rows would be fine in a bed 1-1.5 m wide (Precheur, 1998).
Nutritional Value
Its stalks are high in antioxidants. Asparagus provides essential nutrients; six
spears contain 135 micrograms of foliate. Almost half the adult RDI) Recommended Daily
Intake), 545 micrograms of beta carotene, and 20 milligrams of potassium 9 (Readers
Digest, 1992). Research suggests foliate as the key in taming homocystine, a substance
implicated in heart disease. Foliate is also good for pregnant mothers, since it protects
against neutral tube defects in babies. Several studies indicate that getting plenty of
potassium may reduce the loose of calcium from the body. Particularly green asparagus is
a good source of Vitamin C. six times more than those found in citrus fruits, Vitamin C
helps the body produce and maintain collagen. Considered a wonder protein, collagen
helps hold together all the cells and tissues of the body. Asparagus has been recognized
for its medicinal properties (Onstad, 1994), author of: Whole Food Companion:
Asparagus; A guide for adventurous cooks, curious shoppers and lovers of natural foods:
Asparagus is a high value crop and of the earliest to produce spring vegetable. In Asian-
style cooking, asparagus spears are stir-fried with chicken, shrimps or beef it can be
wrapped in bays sauce, melted butter or olive oil, parmesan cheese or mayonnaise.
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
5
Asparagus may also used as an ingredient in some a stews and soup. In the French style, it
is often boiled or steamed and served with hollandaise source, melted butter or olive oil,
parmesan cheese or mayonnaise. It may even be used in deserts.
Plant Spacing
Spacing is one of the cultural requirements in crop productivity. It is practical way
of preventing plants from competing with each other in absorption or nutrient, water and
in the utilization of light for plant growth. In addition, proper spacing prevents the plant
from rooting competition. Likewise, high yield and normal growth can be attained if he
proper cultural management practices like appropriate planting distance are observed. It
determines plant population in a given area, thus it is also determinant in yield.
The wide between –row spacing is needed because the fern growth of the hybrid
verities is vigorous am\\and will usually frill the between-row space after one growing
season if one year old crowns are planted. It also allow for better air circulation to promote
faster fern drying from rain and morning dews. This delayed the onset of foliar fungus
diseases.
The idea spacing and plant population are those that maximize yield and quality
without unduly increasing production cost (Anon., 1990). As a role all crops tended to
have increased yield with wider spacing, but up to certain limit. He also added that beyond
this limit, the yield may not increase further and may even drop.
Bautista and Mabesa (1975) stated that as plant population per unit area increase
the yield per unit will also increase until the spacing is also close enough that excessive
competition between adjacent plants reduces the yield per plant, further, the distance
between row and with rows varies with each grower’s situation. Wider spacing is needed
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
6
where plant requirement for moisture and nutrients cannot be met at a closer spacing
where growing large vegetable is desirable and where the variety requires such spacing.
Burton (1996) added that if spacing is close, the individual plant will suffer from
the competition of its neighbors and the growth of the crop may be impaired. But he also
contradicted that if spacing is too wide; the yield per hectare may also less despite the
increases in yields of individual plants.
In 1979, Wiley stated that population density refers to the number of plants per
unit which determines the space available for its use. Janick (1972) also said that the yield
area which determines to a large extent that efficiency of land utilization. Population
pressure offer competition by decreasing the size.
In 1972, Watts added that the proper distance between plants depends upon the
variety, purpose of the crop, fertility of the soil, methods of cultivation, spraying and
harvesting.
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
7
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The materials used were: 3 months old asparagus seedling, garden tools, record
book, vernier caliper and measuring tools.
Experimental Design and Treatments. Treatment plots were laid out following the
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBC) with 10 treatments replicated three times.
The treatments were as follows:
Code Planting Distance (cm) Plant Population (3m2)
(Row x Hill)
T0
35 x 35
17
T1
30 x 30
20
T2
30 x 40
15
T3
30 x 50
12
T4
40 x 30
20
T5
40 x 40
15
T6
40 x 50
12
T7
50 x 30
20
T8
50 x40
15
T9
50 x 50
12
Care and Maintenance
The recommended cultural practices were done uniformly to all asparagus plants
throughout the duration of the study.
Irrigation
Watering was done after transplanting the seedlings through the use of watering
can followed by three times a week irrigation.
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
8
Weed Control
Weeds was done by uproot weeds to prevent competition between plant sand
weeds in terms of space, sunlight and nutrients.
Plant Preparation
An area of 100m2 was prepared and was divided into three blocks where each
block was subdivided into 3 plots to represent the treatments. Plot size was measures
1X3m2 per treatments combination. Where it was basally applied with a hand half a
sagana 100 and 75g of 14-14-14 fertilizer per hill. Hilling-up operation was done one
month from transplanting.
Data Gathered
1. Plant height at harvest (cm). Plant height of five sample plants was
measured using foot rule at the time of first harvest.
2. Days from transplanting to first harvesting of spears (0.5 cm in diameter).
This was done by counting the number of days from transplanting to first harvesting of
spear.
3. Number of spears produced per plant after five months from transplanting.
This was done by counting the number of spears harvested per plant after five months from
transplanting of seedlings.
4. Length of spears (cm). This was taken during harvesting.
5. Average spear diameter produced per plant will be taken in five months.
This was taken for five months by measuring all the diameter of the spears produced by
sample plants divided by the number of sample plants .
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
9
6. Average weight of spears. This was be done by obtaining the average
weight of harvestable spears.
7. Number and weight of marketable spears. This was done by obtaining the
weight of the spears produced per plant after five months from transplanting.
8. Yield per plot. This was done by obtaining the weight produced per plot
five months from transplanting.
9. Number and weight of non-marketable yield per plot. This was done by
obtaining the weight of crocked spears produced per plot for five months duration.
10. Photo Documentation. This was done through pictures (Figure 1 to 4).
11. Meteorological data (temperature (0C) humidity (%) day length (hrs.) and
rainfall (mm). This was taken from BSU PAG-ASA for the duration of the study.
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
10
Figure 1. Overview of the study 3 months from transplanting.
Figure 2. Close up appearance of spears at harvest.
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
11
Figure 3. Marketable spears
Figure 4. Non- marketable spears
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
12
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Plant Height at Harvest
Table 1 show that there were no significant differences obtained on the plant
height at harvest of asparagus plants as affected by planting distance. Nevertheless, the
plant weights at harvest ranged from 29.10 cm. to 35.07 cm. Results further show that
plant height at harvest was not affected by the early plant stages when plant canopy was
not yet fully developed.
Days from Transplanting to Harvesting of Spears
Table 2 shows that planting distance has no significant effect on the members of
days from transplanting to harvest. Spears from plants spaced closer (farmer practice of
Table 1. Plant height at harvest
TREATMENT
MEAN (cm)
35 x 35 cm (Farmers Practice) 30.63a
30 x 30 cm 29.10a
30 x 40 cm 30.23a
30 x 50 cm 34.95a
40 x 30 cm 31.70a
40 x 40 cm 33.69a
40 x 50 cm 34.85a
50 x 30 cm 29.53a
50 x 40 cm 35.07a
50 x 50 cm 35.41a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 levels of significant by
DMRT
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
13
Table 2. Days from transplanting to harvesting of spears
TREATMENT
MEAN (Days)
35 x 35 cm (Farmers Practice) 117.33a
30 x 30 cm 119.93a
30 x 40 cm 117.60a
30 x 50 cm 119.53a
40 x 30 cm 119.33a
40 x 40 cm 119.40a
40 x 50 cm 118.87a
50 x 30 cm 117.60a
50 x 40 cm 119.20a
50 x 50 cm 181.87a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
35 cm x 35 cm), however were harvested earlier while wider spacing tended to delay later
harvesting date.
Number of Spears Produced Per Plant
After Five Months From Transplanting
Plants spaced at 50 x 40 cm and 50 x 50 cm produced significantly more number
of spears five months from transplanting over the plants spaced at 30 x 30 cm as shown in
Table 3. Results show that closer spacing will result in plant shading and nutrient
competition that leads to shading of the spears produced; while wider spacing had more
number of spears produced five months from transplanting due to the absence of shading
between plants.
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
14
Table 3. Number of spears produced per plant after 5 months from transplanting
TREATMENT
MEAN
35 x 35 (Farmers Practice) 4.00abc
30 x 30 cm 3.53c
30 x 40 cm 3.67bc
30 x 50 cm 3.87abc
40 x 30 cm 4.20ab
40 x 40 cm 4.20ab
40 x 50 cm 4.07abc
50 x 30 cm 4.20ab
50 x 40 cm 4.33a
50 x 50 cm 4.33a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
As stated by Burton (1996), if spacing is closer, the individual plants will suffer
from the competition of its neighbors and the growth of the crop may be impaired.
Moreover, Ahlawat and Sarat (1994) wrote that the inter plant competition for light is
greater at higher densities resulting in more natural shading which in turn increase cell
elongation thus, increasing plant height.
Length of Spears (cm)
As presented in Table 4, length of spears at harvest showed no significant
differences observed among the various spacing treatments evaluated. Nevertheless, plant
spaced at 50 x 50 cm produced the longest spear with a mean of 10.24 cm and the
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
15
Table 4. Length of spears at harvest
TREATMENT
MEAN (cm)
35 x 35 (Farmers Practice) 7.76a
30 x 30 cm 7.51a
30 x 40 cm 7.49a
30 x 50 cm 7.79a
40 x 30 cm 8.13a
40 x 40 cm 9.59a
40 x 50 cm 7.96a
50 x 30 cm 8.50a
50 x 40 cm 10.24a
50 x 50 cm 8.85a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
shortest spear was from plants spaced at 30 x 30 cm with a mean of 7.51 cm. Nonetheless,
the other spacing treatments produced comparable lengths of spears at harvest.
Average Spear Diameter
As presented in Table 5, the increasing distance of planting correspondingly
increased the diameter of asparagus spears. However, statistical analysis shows that there
were no significant differences observed among the different treatments means. These
results do not differ with the report of Diachanco (1959) that planting distance of root
crops varies according to the desired size of roots to be produced; and in cases where
smaller roots are preferred, the planting distance must be closer. He further mentioned
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
16
Table 5. Average spear diameter per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN(cm)
35 x 35 (Farmers Practice) 0.62a
30 x 30 cm 0.63a
30 x 40 cm 0.61a
30 x 50 cm 0.68 a
40 x 30 cm 0.67a
40 x 40 cm 0.67a
40 x 50 cm 0.68a
50 x 30 cm 0.67a
50 x 40 cm 0.69a
50 x 50 cm 0.74a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 levels of significant by
DMRT
that spacing affects the root formation, thus the size of roots attained at maturity should
serve as a guide to an effective planting distance.
Average Weight of Spears
Table 6 shows the average weight of spears at 0.5cm diameter. As presented, plant
spaced at 50 x 50 cm produced spears that significantly out-weighted the spears produced
from plants spaced at 40 x 50 cm and 50 x 30 cm that had similar weight of individual
spears produced. The heavier weight of spears from the planting distance 50 x 40 cm. may
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
17
Table 6. Average weight of spears at 0.5 diameter
TREATMENT
MEAN (g)
35 x 35 cm (Farmers Practice) 34.37bc
30 x 30 cm 35.62bc
30 x 40 cm 25.49c
30 x 50 cm 30.56bc
40 x 30 cm 30.93bc
40 x 40 cm 37.50abc
40 x 50 cm 33.64bc
50 x 30 cm 38.53abc
50 x 40 cm 49.09a
50 x 50 cm 42.34ab
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
may be due to the longer and thicker spears produced from plants with wider spacing.
Number of Marketable Spears Produced per
Plant Five Months From Transplanting
Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the number of marketable
spears produces per plant five months from transplanting as affected by the different
planting distances as presented in Table 7. Asparagus plants spaced at 50 x 40 cm has the
highest number of marketable spears per plant while plants spaced at 30 x 30 cm and 30 x
40 cm had comparable lower number of marketable spears per plant. The higher number
of marketable spears obtained from plants spaced at 50 x 40 cm and 50 x 50 cm maybe
due to observations that during the first harvesting these was lesser number of spears
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
18
Table 7. Number of marketable spears produced per plant 5 months from transplanting
TREATMENT
MEAN
35 x 35 (Farmers Practice) 4.75bcde
30 x 30 cm 3.53e
30 x 40 cm 3.87e
30 x 50 cm 4.20de
40 x 30 cm 4.80dcde
40 x 40 cm 5.80abc
40 x 50 cm 4.53cde
50 x 30 cm 5.93ab
50 x 40 cm
4.75bcde
50 x 50 cm
5.30abcd
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
harvested. During the second to the third harvests however, there more spears produced
per plant, and was correspondingly increased in the succeeding harvesting of spears.
Weight of Marketable Spears.
Table 8 shows the average weight of marketable spears produced per plant five
months from transplanting as influenced by the various plant spacing evaluated. It was
observed that as the distance of planting increased, the number of spears produced also
increased resulting to greater weight per plant. Asparagus spaced at 50 x 40 cm
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
19
Table 8. Weight of marketable spears per plant 5 months from transplanting
TREATMENT
MEAN (g)
35 x 35 (Farmers Practice)
33.86bcd
30 x 30cm
21.73d
30 x 40cm
25.25cd
30 x 50cm
28.15bcd
40 x 30cm
31.67bcd
40 x 40cm
39.13abc
40 x 50cm
31.54bcd
50 x 30cm
40.35ab
50 x 40cm
50.86a
50x 50 cm
40.97ab
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
significantly produced heavier marketable spears which was higher over those planted
with other planting distances. It was followed by those plants spaced at 50x50cm but was
statistically comparable with plants spaced at 30 x 30 cm between hills and rows.
The results imply that in the asparagus plants, the weight of marketable spears
correspondingly increased, as the planting spacing between plants was increased
Total Yield per Plot Five Months from Transplanting
Table 9 shows significant differences on the total yield per plot of asparagus as
affected by the different planting distance. Plant with a 50 x 40 cm planting distance
produced the heaviest weight of roots produced per plot with a mean of 254.30 g as
compared to the plants spaced at 30 x 30 cm which yielded the lowest yield having a mean
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
20
of 17.57g. Results further showed that yield per plot was significantly higher when plants
were spaced at 50 x 40 cm. due to more number of plants per area compared to 50 x 50
cm. spacing.
As cited by Bautista and Mabesa (1975) that as plant population per unit area
increases, the yield per unit will also increase until the spacing is close enough that
excessive competition between adjacent plants reduces the yield per plants. Further, the
distances between rows and with in rows varies with each growers situation. Wider
spacing is needed where plant requirements for moisture and nutrients cannot be met at a
closer spacing where growing large vegetable is desirable and where the variety requires
such spacing.
Table 9. Weight of marketable spears produced per plot 5 months from transplanting
TREATMENT
MEAN (g)
35 x35 cm (Farmers Practice)
150.70bcd
30 x 30 cm
108.57d
30 x 40 cm
117.57cd
30 x 50 cm
140.77bcd
40 x 30 cm
158.33bcd
40 x 40 cm
195. 63abc
40 x 50 cm
157.70bcd
50 x 30 cm
202.63ab
50 x 40 cm
254.30a
50 x 50 cm
204.97ab
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
21
Number of Non Marketable Spears per Plant
Table 10 shows no significant differences on the number of non marketable spears
produced per plant. However, the mean number of non marketable spears ranged from
3.223 to 4.30.
Weight of Non- Marketable Spears Per Plant
There were no significant effects of the different planting distances on the weight
of non-marketable spears per plant (Table 11). Nevertheless, the mean non-marketable
spear range from 9.20 to 17.51 g per plant.
Table 10. Number of non-marketable spears per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN
35 x 35 cm (Farmers Practice
4.08a
30 x 30 cm
4.23a
30 x 40 cm
3.60a
30 x 50 cm
3.70a
40 x 30 cm
4.30a
40 x 40 cm
3.47a
40 x 50 cm
3.50a
50 x 30 cm
4.07a
50 x 40 cm
3.33a
50 x 50 cm
3.23a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
22
The plant canopy five months from transplanting was not yet fully developed
where shading had not yet affected the developing spears that leads to insignificant
number of non-marketable spears at harvesting.
Non-Marketable Spears Produced Per Plot
Table 12 shows the yield per plot of non-marketable spears. Statistical analysis
showed significant differences observed among the various planting distance treatments
evaluated.
Table 11. Weight of non- marketable spears per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN (g)
35 x35 cm (Farmers Practice)
17.51a
30 x 30 cm
16.11a
30 x 40 cm
13.35a
30 x 50 cm
15.71a
40 x 30 cm
15.51a
40 x 40 cm
10.45a
40 x 50 cm
14.29a
50 x 30 cm
13.53a
50 x 40 cm
9.20a
50 x 50 cm
9.73a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
23
Table 12. Yield per Plot of Non-Marketable Spears
TREATMENT
MEAN (g)
35 x 35 (Farmers Practice)
80.83a
30 x 30 cm
81.20a
30 x 40 cm
64.17ab
30 x 50 cm
60.40ab
40 x 30 cm
59.47ab
40 x 40 cm
61.63ab
40 x 50 cm
75.43a
50 x 30 cm
60.93ab
50 x 40 cm
34.13c
50 x 50 cm
46.93bc
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05 level of significance by
DMRT
Meteorological Data
Table 13 presents the meteorological data obtained from Benguet State University
PAG-ASA, Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet from October 2010 to January 2011.
Maximum and temperatures; were obtained during the month of October, while
the coolest temperature were obtained during the month of January. Relative humidity was
highest during the month of October, but decreased during the month of November to
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
24
December and little bit increased during the month of January. Relative humidity was high
during the month of December; while month of October had the longest day length.
Table 13. Meteorological data
MONTH
RH
RAINFALL TEMPERATURE
DAY LENGTH
( %)
(mm.)
Min. Max.
(Hours)
Oct. (2010)
87.0
30.3
25.2 15.4
721.2
Nov. (2010)
86.0
6.3
24.8 15.2
698.3
Dec. (2010)
92.0
3.6
25.1 13.6
686.7
Jan. (2011)
85.3
11.5
24.3 13.0
686.7
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
25
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted at Department of Horticulture thesis research Benguet
State University, La Trinidad Benguet. From November 2010 to April 2011 to determine
the growth and yield of asparagus as affected by planting distance, and to determine the
optimum planting distance in Asparagus production under La Trinidad, Benguet
condition.
Results of the study showed that plants spaced at 50 x 40 cm had higher number
of marketable spears per plant resulting to heavier yield per plot (1m x 3m ) of 254.30g
followed by plants grown at a distance of 50 cm x 50 cm with 204.97g; five months from
transplanting. The 30 cm x 30 cm distance affected had the lowest yield of spears with
only 108.57g per plot.
.
Conclusion
Based on the results, it can be concluded that 50 cm x 40 cm spacing is the best
asparagus production since it was observed that it promoted the production have more
number of spears per plant five months after transplanting of seedlings.
Recommendation
It is then recommended that a 50 cm x 40 cm planting distance should be used in
asparagus production under La Trinidad, Benguet Condition. This planting distance
promoted the production of more marketable spears resulting to higher yield per plot. It is
also recommended that the study showed be continued to record the yield for longer
harvesting durations since asparagus is a perennial plant.
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
26
LITERATURE CITED
AHLAWAT and SARAT.1994. Vegetables. London Ra Books Publishing Ltd.p.66
ANONYMOUS. 1990. Vegetable Production Training Taipei Chinon: AVRDC. P. 181.
BAUTISTA, O.K and R. C. MABESA. 1975. Vegetable Production. UPLB, College, Los
Banos, Lagunado
BURTON, W .H. 1996. The potato H. Veeman and Zamen, Wageningen, The
Netherlands. Pp. 131-132.
DIACHANCO. 1959. Principles of Plant Physiology. San Francisco. W. P. Freeman Co.
P. 477.
GEIRENKO and SHILOVA, 1988. Genus Asparagus L.-Asparagus. In: Cultivated flora
of the USSR: Leafy Vegetable Plants.V. 12 Leningrad:Agropromizdat Pp6-29.
HARTMAN and KESTER.1995. Plant Proragation Principles and Pratices, New
Delhi;Prentice Haii of Indea Pp 126-127.
JANICK, J. 1972. Horticultural Science. San Francise W. H. Freeman and Co. Pp. 305-
307.
ONSTAD, 1994. Whole Food Companion. New York. Jhon Willey and Sons Inco. P.
488.
PAUL, R. 1999. GGV-9 Asparagus CTAHR. 1999. CTAHR Department of Agriculture.
PRECHEUR, R. J. 1998. Ohio State University Extension. Horticulture and Crop Science
REDAERS DIGEST. 1992. Healyh, Food, grdening DIY and Money.
WATTS, R. L. 1972 Vegetable Gardening. New York: Orange Judd Inc. P.271
WILEY, R.W. 1979. Intercropping: Its importance and research needs I. Competition and
yield advantage. Filed Crops Abstr.32:1-10
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
27
APPENDICES
Appendix Table 1. Plant height at harvest ( cm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
27.40
32.10
32.40
91.90
30.63
T1
33.10
25.96
28.24
87.30
29.10
T2
30.10
31.00
29.60
90.70
30.23
T3
35.78
35.24
34.70
104.84
34.95
T4
34.90
33.48
30.12
95.10
31.70
T5
31.50
35.78
28.40
101.06
33.69
T6
33.44
39.40
31.70
104.54
34.85
T7
26.84
35.90
25.84
88.58
29.53
T8
30.30
40.86
34.06
105.22
35.07
T9
38.10
32.33
35.80
106.23
35.41
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 249.65221 24.8261
Treatment 9 172.9555 19.21727 1.645031ns 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 210.2763 11.68201
TOTAL 29 432.8839
ns- Not significant Coefficient of variation 10.51%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
28
Appendix Table 2. Days from transplanting to harvesting of spears
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
116.00
117.60
118.40
352.00
117.33
T1
120.00
119.40
120.40
359.80
119.93
T2
116.00
118.40
118.40
352.80
117.60
T3
119.40
119.20
120.00
358.60
119.53
T4
121.20
118.40
118.40
358.00
119.33
T5
119.20
121.40
117.60
358.20
19.410
T6
118.60
120.40
117.60
356.60
118.87
T7
117.60
117.60
117.60
352.80
117.60
T8
119.20
119.20
119.20
357.60
119.20
T9
119.60
120.20
116.80
356.60
118.87
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION
F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 2.850667 1.425333
Treatment 9 22.96667 2.551852 1.64345ns 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 27.94933 1.552741
TOTAL 29 53.76667
ns- Not significant Coefficient of variation 1.05%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
29
Appendix Table 3. Number of spears produced per plant after five months from
transplanting
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
3.80
3.80
4.40
12.00
4.00
T1
3.40
3.60
3.60
10.60
3.53
T2
3.80
3.60
3.60
11.00
3.67
T3
3.80
4.00
3.80
11.60
3.87
T4
3.80
4.60
4.20
12.60
4.20
T5
4.60
3.80
4.20
12.60
4.20
T6
4.60
3.80
3.80
12.20
4.07
T7
3.80
4.40
4.40
12.60
4.20
T8
4.40
4.20
4.40
13.00
4.33
T9
4.20
4.40
4.40
13.00
4.33
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 0.024 0.012
Treatment 9 2.032 0.225778 2.454106* 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 1.656 0.092
TOTAL 29 3.712
*- Significant Coefficient of variation 7.51%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
30
Appendix Table 4. Length of spears (cm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
9.34
6.29
7.66
23.29
7.76
T1
8.43
8.80
5.29
22.52
7.51
T2
7.49
7.49
7.49
22.47
7.49
T3
7.99
6.66
8.79
23.36
7.79
T4
8.44
8.69
7.27
24.40
8.13
T5
10.82
7.89
10.05
28.76
9.59
T6
8.59
7.46
7.82
23.87
7.96
T7
8.23
8.49
8.79
25.51
8.50
T8
9.25
10.97
10.49
30.71
10.24
T9
8.99
8.87
8.70
26.56
8.85
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 2.051387 1.025693
Treatment 9 23.00902 2.556557 2.239188ns 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 20.55121 1.141734
TOTAL 29 45.61162
ns- Not significant Coefficient of variation 12.75%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
31
Appendix Table 5. Average spear diameter per plant (cm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
0.71
0 .50
0.65
1.86
0.62
T1
0.64
0.63
0.62
1.89
0.63
T2
0.58
0.58
0.68
1.84
0.61
T3
0.70
0.65
0.69
2.04
0.68
T4
0.61
0.70
0.70
2.01
0.67
T5
0.70
0.62
0.70
2.02
0.67
T6
0.69
0.63
0.72
2.04
0.68
T7
0.71
0.62
0.68
2.01
0.67
T8
0.68
0.70
0.68
2.06
0.69
T9
0.80
0.73
0.69
2.22
0.74
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 0.013817 0.006903
Treatment 9 0.037697 0.004189 1.778424ns 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 0.042393 0.002355
TOTAL 29 0.093897
ns- Not significant Coefficient of variation 7.28%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
32
Appendix Table 6. Average weight of spears at 0.5 diameter (cm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
33.62
34.15
35.33
103.10
34.37
T1
45.85
31.10
29.92
106.87
35.62
T2
26.20
23.76
26.52
76.48
25.49
T3
29 60
28.12
33.96
91.68
30.56
T4
24.76
36.34
31.70
92.80
30.93
T5
40.64
26.20
45.66
112.50
37.50
T6
46.56
27.52
26.84
100.92
33.64
T7
44.64
39.60
31.34
115.58
38.53
T8
42.08
57.64
47.56
147.28
49.09
T9
49.62
40.33
37.06
127.01
42.34
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 97.57585 48.78792
Treatment 9 1181.657 131.2952 2.605976* 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 906.8822 50.38235
TOTAL 29 2186.115
*-Significant Coefficient of variation 19.82%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
33
Appendix Table 7. Number of marketable spears produced per plant five months
from transplanting
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
5.25
4.25
4.75
14.25
4.75
T1
3.80
3.60
3.20
10.60
3.53
T2
3.80
4.00
3.80
11.60
3.87
T3
3.80
4.00
4.80
12.60
4.20
T4
4.20
5.00
5.20
14.40
4.80
T5
6.80
4.20
6.40
17.40
5.80
T6
5.20
4.00
4.40
13.60
4.53
T7
5.60
7.00
5.20
17.80
5.93
T8
6.00
6.60
6.40
19.00
6.33
T9
6.20
4.50
4.20
25 90
5.30
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 0.626 0.313
Treatment 9 23.05342 2.561491 4.953818** 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 9.307333 0.517074
TOTAL 29 32.98675
**-Highly significant Coefficient of variation 14.66%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
34
Appendix Table 8. Weight of marketable spears per plant five months from
transplanting (g)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
42.53
22.75
36.30
101.58
33.86
T1
23.54
21.68
19.96
65.18
21.73
T2
26.05
23.88
25.82
75.75
25.25
T3
21.34
28.30
34.82
84.46
28.15
T4
25.22
37.18
32.60
95.00
31.67
T5
44.50
26.56
46.32
117.38
39 13
T6
37.10
29.38
28.14
94.62
31.54
T7
46.60
42.32
32.12
121.04
40.35
T8
44.58
59.96
48.04
152.58
50.86
T9
47.60
41.16
34.16
122.92
40.97
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 37.60709 18.80354
Treatment 9 2013.357 223.7063 4.20835** 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 956.8389 53.15772
TOTAL 29 3007.803
**- Highly significant Coefficient of variation 21.23%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
35
Appendix Table 9. Weight of marketable spears per plot five months from
transplanting (g)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
250.10
96.80
105.20
452.10
150.70
T1
117.50
108.40
99.80
325.70
108.57
T2
104.20
119.40
129.10
352.73
117.57
T3
106.70
141.50
174.10
422.30
140.77
T4
126.10
185.90
163.00
475.00
158.33
T5
222.50
132.80
231.60
586.90
195.63
T6
185.50
146.90
140.70
473.10
157.70
T7
233.00
211.60
163.30
607.90
202.63
T8
222.90
299.80
240.20
762.90
254.30
T9
238.30
205.80
170.80
614.90
204.97
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 2054.021 1027.01
Treatment 9 54243.44 6027.048 3.328618* 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 32592.17 1810.676
TOTAL 29 88889.62
*- Significant Coefficient of variation 25.16%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
36
Appendix Table 10. Number of non marketable spears per plant
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
4.25
4.50
3.50
12.25
4.08
T1
4.00
4.80
3.90
12.70
4.23
T2
3.20
3.60
4.00
10.80
3.60
T3
4.00
3.90
3.20
11.10
3.70
T4
3.80
4.60
4.50
12.90
4.30
T5
3.20
3.20
4.00
10.40
3.47
T6
3.40
3.40
3.70
10.50
3.50
T7
5.00
4.00
3.20
12.20
4.07
T8
3.80
2.20
4.00
10.00
3.33
T9
2.50
3.80
3.40
9.70
3.23
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 0.038167 0.019083
Treatment 9 4.067417 0.451935 1.159331ns 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 7.016833 0.389824
TOTAL 29 11.12242
ns- Not significant Coefficient of variation 16.64%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
37
Appendix Table 11. Weight of non- marketable spears per plant (g)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
26.40
12.52
13.62
52.54
17.51
T1
13.08
18.10
17.14
48.32
16.11
T2
11.56
14.64
13.86
40.06
13.35
T3
26.40
10.30
10.43
47.13
15.71
T4
15.92
14.02
16.58
46.52
15.51
T5
12.18
9.94
9.24
31.36
10.45
T6
16.02
13.40
13.44
42.86
14.29
T7
17.88
8.72
13.98
40.58
13.53
T8
10.88
8.76
7.96
27.60
9.20
T9
10.66
9.64
8.88
29.18
9.73
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 99.57381 49.7869
Treatment 9 223.3469 24.81632 1.645821ns 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 271.4109 15.07838
TOTAL 29 594.3316
ns- Not significant Coefficient of variation 28.68%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
38
Appendix Table 12. Yield per plot of non-marketable spears (g)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
T0
115.10
80.00
47.40
242.50
80.83
T1
77.90
67.00
98.70
243.60
81.20
T2
58.10
74.40
60.00
192.50
64.17
T3
66.60
46.60
68.00
181.20
60.40
T4
64.60
54.60
59.20
178.40
59.47
T5
65 90
52.40
66.60
184.90
61.63
T6
76.30
84.70
65.30
226.30
75.43
T7
53.90
65.50
63.40
182.80
60.93
T8
39.30
33.50
29.60
102.40
34.13
T9
49.00
44.00
47.80
140.80
46.93
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCE OF DF SS MS COMPUTED TABULAR F
VARIATION F 0.05 0.01
Block 2 259.7127 129.8563
Treatment 9 5758.961 639.8846 3.288486* 2.4563 3.5971
Error 18 3502.501 194.5834
TOTAL 29 9521.175
*- Significant Coefficient of variation 22.31%
Growth and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) As Affected by Planting Distance
under La Trinidad Benguet condition / BRENDA E. TELCAG, 2011
Document Outline
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- INTRODUCTION
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- MATERIALS AND METHODS
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES