Asparagus: validation of AspireNZ for the UK

The AspireUK decision support system was made available for use by the UK asparagus industry following a 2½-year research project. It provided a tool that growers could use to improve crop performance, based on better knowledge and understanding of the role of root carbohydrate in the yield physiology of asparagus.

The overall aim of this project was to develop and deploy a decision support system tailored to UK environmental conditions and asparagus production methods, based on a prototype system (AspireNZ) developed in New Zealand.

The specific objectives were:

1. Prepare protocols and procedures for crop sampling.
2. Sample crops at selected key times in crop growth over two growing seasons.
3. Collate and incorporate technical information required for AspireUK into the existing prototype.
4. Develop prototype software for the AspireUK decision support system.
5. Develop and deploy commercially a final version of AspireUK.
6. Disseminate information about AspireUK to UK asparagus growers