COMPARISON OF STORAGE POTENTIAL OF 5 ASPARAGUS CULTIVARS (ASPARAGUS-OFFICINALIS L)

The objective of this study was to establish simple variables for the selection of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) cultivars with good storage potential. Five asparagus cultivars, 277E-22-8, Jersey Giant, Larac, Viking KB3 and 70-207 were stored at 1-degrees-C for 0, 7, 14 a nd 21 d. At each sampling date chlorophyll content, rate of respiratio n and shear force were measured. Cladophyll expansion, presence of mol d and blue hue of the stem were visually assessed. Jersey Giant and 27 7E-22-8 had the best storage potential and were still commercially acc eptable after 3 wk of storage. They differed from Larac in visual asse ssment, particularly cladophyll expansion, and toughness of the spear. The chlorophyll content and respiration rate were not reliable indica tors of storage potential.