Biosolarization and Chemical Disinfection as Strategies to Enhance Asparagus Yield and Quality in a Decline-Affected Plantation

Francisco Javier López-Moreno, Eloy Navarro-León, Juan Manuel Ruiz and Teresa Soriano ()
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Francisco Javier López-Moreno: Institute of Research and Training in Agriculture and Fisheries, 18004 Granada, Spain
Eloy Navarro-León: Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Juan Manuel Ruiz: Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Teresa Soriano: Institute of Research and Training in Agriculture and Fisheries, 18004 Granada, Spain

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: Asparagus decline syndrome (ADS) is a major challenge affecting asparagus production, leading to reduced yield and spear quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different control strategies, including biosolarization with Brassica carinata seed pellets, biosolarization with chicken manure pellets, and chemical disinfection with Dazomet. Field trials were conducted over three consecutive years to assess their impact on commercial yield, spear quality, and plant performance. Biosolarization with B. carinata seed pellets increased commercial yield by 17% and the number of spears per plot by 21%, compared to the control. B. carinata seed pellets and Dazomet improved spear weight by 196% and 170%, respectively, and increased diameter by 115% and 95%, respectively, in 2019. In 2021, chicken manure pellets and Dazomet treatments reduced hardness by 11% and °Brix by 5% and 4%, respectively. These findings suggest that biosolarization could be an effective strategy to mitigate ADS effects and enhance asparagus yield and quality. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of considering biological control methods to manage ADS while preserving beneficial soil microorganisms. This study provides valuable insights for sustainable asparagus production, emphasizing the role of biosolarization as an alternative to chemical disinfection in ADS-affected fields.

Keywords: biotic stress management; Brassica seed pellets; chicken manure amendment; Dazomet; soil disinfection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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