A study carried out by the University of Córdoba has succeeded in drawing the genetic map of asparagus and identifying the chromosome that determines its gender. The importance of the study lies in the fact that cultivated asparagus is a dioecious species; that is to say, there are both male and female plants. The male plants are the most profitable. This research will make it easier for the process of breed improvement to focus on the development of hybrids in which all plants are male.
The University of Córdoba, which is reporting information about this study on its website, explains that cultivated asparagus is the most important type of asparagus in economic terms. The crop's acreage is comparable to that of garlic, carrot or aubergines.
This form of applied research strives to facilitate the development of knowledge that can later be used in an improvement program and help both seed companies and asparagus growers.
Source: diariocordoba.com
