Asparagus freezing tolerance related to rhizome traits

(American Society for Horticultural Science) Three cultivars of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), 'UC 157,' 'Jersey Giant,' and 'Guelph Millennium,' were tested for winterhardiness in Ontario, Canada. Established crowns were observed over two years and tested for freezing tolerance and storage root and rhizome traits. Results indicated that levels of water, proline, sucrose, and low- and high-molecular-weight fructan in the rhizome were the main determiners of freezing tolerance.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news