Abstract
The relationship between Brix values of the butt end of spears and storage roots was examined in semi-forcing green asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) cultivation. The Brix values of spring stems peaked at the beginning of harvest and then gradually decreased over the harvest period. The Brix values at 7 to 9 years after planting were significantly higher than those after 3 and 5 years. This difference in Brix values with plant aging was similar to that in the summer-autumn stems. Brix values were also used to estimate sugar concentrations in the roots; the patterns of increase and decrease in Brix values of the butt end of spears were similar to those of storage roots. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.9166, P < 0.01) was found between the Brix values of the butt end of spears and those of storage roots during the harvest period of spring stems. Similarly, a positive correlation (r = 0.6963, P < 0.01) was found for the Brix values of spears and storage roots during the harvest period of summer-autumn stems. These results suggest that the amount of sugar accumulated in roots can be estimated from the Brix values of the butt end of spears.
