Exploiting thesupermale genotype x environmentinteraction for breeding early all-maleAsparagusvarieties

Abstract

Early plants represent an economical advantage for growers. The earliest white asparagus cultivar on the European market is the cultivar 'Darlise' from the breeding company Planasa. Planasa develops early Asparagus officinalis L. cultivars successfully since 1965. The company possesses genetic resources to breed early all-male cultivars which are productive, adaptable and stable. Its cultivar 'Darvador' represents the first all-male commercial cultivar. In the present study, the supermale genotype x weather interaction effect on hybrid earliness is evaluated. Data from two different plantations of all-male hybrid plants and from weather condition measurements at three physiological stages of the asparagus plants - dormant, vegetative, and forced- have been collected. Results indicate that the supermale genotype x weather interaction affects hybrid earliness. Hence, this study demonstrates how using established supermale elite inbred lines is a valuable strategy to improve hybrids earliness performance and create stable vigorous lines over years against climate changes.