The objectives of this study were to evaluate genotypes of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.), in terms of yield and adaptation to conditions of the Submédio São Francisco region. The research was conducted between 1991 and 1994 at the Bebedouro Experimental Station of Embrapa Semi-Árido, in Petrolina, Pernambuco State. Two standard cultivars and twelve Brazilian hybrids (Pelotas and Rio Grande do Sul), ten French hybrids, and three hybrids from the United States were tested. Only straight spears, without stains or lesions, and diameter above eight mm and length varying from 15 to 20 cm, were considered for determining yield. The mean annual productivity per genotype varied from l.74 to 6.33 t. ha-1 during the period 1991 to 1994. In 1992 the highest performance was observed, with a productivity of 4.46 t. ha-1. The hybrids from France presented an accentuated mortality, indicating a probable lack of adaptation to the local conditions. The hybrids W 12 x 14, G 4 x 14 and G 103 x 14, from Pelotas, yielded above 4.40 t. ha-1. The variety New Jersey 220 showed the best performance, with 3.69 t. ha-1. These data indicate that asparagus cropping is a good alternative for the irrigation projects in the Brazilian Northeast, offering conditions for competition in internal and external markets.
Asparagus officinalis L.; cultivars; hybrids; adaptability
