ASPARAGUS (ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS L.) – VEGETABLE CULTURE OF THE FUTURE

The historical reference of Asparagus officinalis (Asparagus officinalis L.), its species composition and practical use is given. Biological and agrotechnical features of culture, the most common diseases and pests are presented. Grades and methods of selection work. Sexual type of asparagus, perennial varieties and the ability of plants to vegetative propagation are important factors in asparagus breeding. The following methods are used in asparagus selection: hybridization; formation of male varieties via self-pollination of bisexual flowers found on male plants; utilization of the heterosis effect the formation of homozygous inbred-lines; production of tetraploid forms by exposure of colchicine to asparagus seedlings. Selection can be done either on individual plants or using multiple approach. Improvement of selection may be achieved using several parameters: plant yield, the mass of seedlings; plant height of the most developed shoot; the number of shoots. This allows to discard undesirable forms at early stages. Laboratory of green vegetables, spicy-flavoring and flower crops of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center possesses the collection nursery of 7 samples of Asparagus officinalis: K-25, K-28, K-41, K-46, Mary Washington Bruswick, Paradise. The latter are used for Asparagus selection with the aim to retain economically valuable traits.