Seasonal changes in the carbohydrate content of two cultivars of asparagus

Abstract

The annual changes in carbohydrate content in the roots of two cultivars of asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis L. cultivar UC 157 and cultivar ‘Junon’) grown in the relatively mild winter climate of Israel were studied. During the autumn (August–November) when the ferns senesce and the subsequent winter dormant season (November–February) the roots were characterized by a constant and significant decrease in fructan content in both cultivars, contributing to a loss of over 30% of the stored fructans. During the harvest (February–April) there was a further decline in root fructan content. During the post-harvest period of fern growth, as the unharvested ferns develop and expand, the root fructan content declined to its lowest levels. Following this, there was a sharp and continuous increase in root fructan levels, as well as a transient increase in sucrose levels for the following three summer months (May–August). The general pattern of root carbohydrate changes was similar in the two cultivars, although there were differences of possible physiological significance.