TESTING ADAPTABILITY OF INTRODUCED ASPARAGUS IN THE RED RIVER DELTA, 2016 - 2017

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is a perennial crop which is productive for fifteen years or more after establishment. As a valuable vegetable due to rich in anti-cancer and anti-oxidation compounds and high economic crop, Asparagus production is continuously extended in Vietnam. Asparagus breeding and cultivation has not been paid attention yet in Vietnam. Aims of the research was evaluation of adaptability of three heat tolerance varieties introduced from the Netherlands as Sunlim, K767 and K1867 in the Red River Delta, Vietnam. The growth characteristics, potential yield, brix of the roots, and pests and diseases were basically tested on the first harvest. All the tested varieties were susceptible to Phomopsis asparagi causing stem blight, a dangerous disease of Asparagus in the Red River Delta, Vietnam. K767 performed well in the field and had good yield: 78 - 90 kg/ha per day of Grade 1 during the first and the second harvest.