BREEDING OF POLYPLOID ASPARAGUS (ASPARAGUS-OFFICINALIS L)

Asparagus is especially suitable for polyploidy breeding. The aim is to develop clone-based hybrid varieties, in particular male 4x varieties. For this purpose, genetically divergent diploid idiotypes*) are subjected to mitotic or meiotic polyploidization. In developing hybrid partners, special attention is paid to resistance in addition to yield and quality characters. Early diagnosis are applied in selection so as to shorten breeding times. Somaclonal variations may occur relatively often on in vitro propagation; these need to be eliminated. Triplex and quadruplex type males are suitable for paternal hybrid partners. Strong inbreeding depressions need to be avoided in their production.