Abstract
To improve the seed production of all-male asparagus hybrids, pollen storage conditions, seasonal changes in hybridization ability, differences in quality between hand-pollinated and insect-pollinated seeds, and the ratio of male to female plants for insect pollination were examined in Ishikari City in Hokkaido, Japan. The viability of stored asparagus pollen was maintained for at least one month at 5˚C. High temperature (30˚C) caused a loss of viability within a few days. Both whole flowers and separated anthers with shed pollen were suitable for preservation. Hybridization ability seemed relatively high from mid June to early July in Hokkaido. In mid summer, this ability was markedly reduced. Average seed weight became lighter as the hybridization date got later. No significant difference was observed between hand-pollinated and insect (honey-bee) -pollinated seeds. The optimum ratio of female to male plants for insect pollination seemed to be between 3:1 and 5:1. This knowledge will be useful for the seed production of all-male asparagus hybrids by both hand-pollinated and insect-pollinated hybridization.
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