Chlorosis and meristem dieback in greenhouse‐grown asparagus transplants

Abstract

Following observation of severe chlorosis and dieback of meri‐stem tissue in asparagus seedlings started in the greenhouse in a soilless media, a study was conducted to determine if the growth patterns were associated with one or more of the media components. Asparagus seedling growth using several potting media was compared. Treatments included single component media, washed sand, perlite, peat, Plainfield loamy sand [a local soil (PLS)], plus 1: 1 mixtures of peat/perlite, washed sand/peat, PLS/perlite, washed sand/peat, and PLS/peat. Abnormal growth patterns were observed in several of the media. Chlorosis was associated with high pH which occurred in perlite, washed sand, and their combinations. Chlorotic plants were characterized by low root and fern dry weights and low fern to root ratios. Meristem dieback occurred in several media treatments and did not appear to be pH related. Plants exhibiting dieback had fern to root ratios approaching 1 if they were not also affected by chlorosis. Nutrient availability was suspected to be a cause but this hypothesis was not substantiated by data collected in this experiment. Asparagus growth in a mixture of Plainfield loamy sand and peat was the highest and was similar to that of field grown seedlings.

Notes

Current address: University of Wisconsin Agronomy Department. 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706.