Asparagus Racemosus

Propagation Material
Propagation can be done by using seed, root crown (constituting 2.5 cm of the root and 5.0 cm of shoot portion) as planting material.
Planting
Seeds are used to raise the seedlings in nursery. The rate of germination of seeds is 40%. 12 Kg seeds are necessary for 1 hectare field for obtaining higher and early germination. Seeds are treated with gibberlic acid solution for 24, 48 and 96 hrs. These seeds are sown in 1m x 10m space. Well decomposed farmyard manure is added before sowing. Seeds are sown in the month of May. Seeds are sown and covered with light soil (a cm thick) and irrigated immediately.
Transplanting
The seedlings are raised for a month in August and then transplanted in the field.
Spacing
Transplanting should be done at a distance of 60 cm x 60 cm in a row.
Irrigation
Just after transplanting, the crop is irrigated immediately. Initially 2 -3 irrigations are required with in a week till the establishment of plants. After establishment light irrigation must be done in 3 -4 days interval.
Weeding
Three weedings are required in the first four months of the crop.
Manuring
Urea, Single Super Phosphate and muriate of potash are used as source of N,P and K. Full dose of P and K and one third of N is applied as basal dose and remaining N was applied in two equal splits at monthly intervals.
Disease and Pests
The only fungal pest is rust caused by Puccinia asparagi, controlled by spraying with Bordeaux mixture. The common Asparagus beetle Criociris asparagi and the 12 spotted Asparagus beetle C. duodecim punetata cause extensive loss by feeding on the crop. Spraying arsenicals is the most effective method of control.
Harvesting
The new succulent shoots which comeup every year constitute the Asparagus of commerce and large quantities are canned. Harvesting of tubers is done after 18 months in January - February. These harvested roots should be dried in indirect sunlight separately. Before drying root bark is removed by making a long incision in the root.
Yield
The yield of fresh root is 890 quintals/ha. Dry weight of this material becomes 90 quintals.
Economics