CHAPTER 9 



DISEASES OF GREENHOUSE CROPS 



Asparagus {Asparagus Officinalis) 



Cultural Considerations. Asparagus plants lend 

 themselves admirably to forcing. It is now grown 

 for commercial purposes on a fairly large scale in- 

 doors. Light is not essential for this crop. The 

 beds may be in total darkness, although a diffused 

 light is preferred. Any variety which produces 

 large shoots is desirable for forcing. However, the 

 variety Reading Giant has been developed for its 

 resistance to rust, and therefore should be given pref- 

 erence. Forced asparagus may be grown in any soil, 

 even sand or coal ashes, provided it contains plenty 

 of organic matter. At the beginning of the forcing 

 process, the temperature should not run higher than 

 45 to 50 degrees F. for at least one week. As soon 

 as strong shoots are made, a temperature of 65 to 

 70 degrees is desired. In order to obtain high yields, 

 profuse watering is necessary. 



Diseases of Asparagus 



Greenhouse asparagus seem to be subject to but 

 few diseases. 



Damping Off, see Rhizoctonia, p. 20. 



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