INFLUENCE OF VEGETATIVE CYCLE OF ASPARAGUS (ASPARAGUS-OFFICINALIS L) ON COPPER, IRON, ZINC AND MANGANESE CONTENT

The essential elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were analyzed in fresh asparagus to determine the effects of the vegetative cycle of the plant on the micronutrient content. Asparagus samples were classified in two groups by diameter (< 11 mm and > 14 m m). Asparagus from a sample group with the same diameter were divided into two portions (apical and basal) according to distance from the ti p. The concentrations of copper, iron, zinc and maganese increased dur ing the vegetative cycle of the asparagus, mainly in the apical portio n which showed significantly greater concentrations with respect to th e basal portion. The > 14 mm diameter asparagus presented higher level s of copper, zinc and manganese, whereas the concentration of iron was greater in the < 11 mm diameter asparagus. The mean element levels we re (mg/kg dry weight): Cu, 18.9 +/- 3.9; Fe, 91.7 +/- 33.7; Zn, 69.5 /- 24.6 and Mn, 20.9 +/- 5.0).