Types of substrates for good rooting in asparagus cultivation

Abstract

Rooting of asparagus seedlings in seedbeds is a critical stage for obtaining vigorous crowns and ensuring successful transplantation to the field, particularly in sodic-alkaline soils where direct sowing results in high mortality and management difficulties. Objective: to determine the rooting percentage of seedlings from three asparagus varieties (Asparagus officinalis L.) grown in three types of substrates. Methodology: the varieties UC157, UC115, and Atlas, derived from certified seeds, were evaluated using the substrates worm humus + soil, worm humus + soil + sand, and sand. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, with evaluations conducted every seven days over a 60-day period. Results: the average rooting percentage was 66%, ranging from 45% to 92% among treatments. The variety factor had a greater influence on rooting than the substrate type; however, the sand substrate showed the best performance in rooting and associated morphophysiological traits. No statistically significant differences were found among treatments for root number, length, and diameter per seedling, although differential responses were observed depending on the evaluated factors. Conclusions: seedling rooting is mainly influenced by the variety, although the use of sand as a substrate enhances overall performance of the process.