A similar phenomenon was reported for tissue-cultured strawberries (Desjardins, 1987), and tomato transplants (Hurd, 1968).
For agriculturists, this research has far-reaching implications since transplants are becoming increasingly popular for the establishment of commercial plants. In the case of asparagus, its advantages over conventional plantings of 1-year-old crowns include the prevention of root diseases, superior stand establishment, and reduced production costs associated with high seed prices and digging-replanting operations.
Desjardins, Gosselin and Lamarre concluded that C02 enrichment and supplementary lighting improved plant quality and reduced the nursery period. They further concluded that supplementary lighting contributed significantly to an improvement in plant survival. However, the effects did not contribute to improved yield components, such as number of shoots per plant or height of the plant. Nonetheless, they were able to demonstrate improved growth of plantlets in the field after two years' growth.
For agriculturists, this research has far-reaching implications since transplants are becoming increasingly popular for the establishment of commercial plants. In the case of asparagus, its advantages over conventional plantings of 1-year-old crowns include the prevention of root diseases, superior stand establishment, and reduced production costs associated with high seed prices and digging-replanting operations.
Desjardins, Gosselin and Lamarre concluded that C02 enrichment and supplementary lighting improved plant quality and reduced the nursery period. They further concluded that supplementary lighting contributed significantly to an improvement in plant survival. However, the effects did not contribute to improved yield components, such as number of shoots per plant or height of the plant. Nonetheless, they were able to demonstrate improved growth of plantlets in the field after two years' growth.
