G. sjoestedtii Kylin, a temperate red alga, is known for having the highest gum content among marine species. In 1988, initial trials of cultivating wild asparagus in Lianjiang and Xiapu counties in Fujian Province showed promising results but were not further developed. By 2000, artificially selected asparagus was introduced into Xiuyu District of Putian City, within Meizhou Bay. The trial production proved successful, with a long growth cycle and favorable economic returns. Today, it has expanded to over 10,000 acres. However, challenges such as serious disease outbreaks and pest infestations have emerged due to unregulated farming practices. This article aims to share current cultivation techniques and issues related to Asparagus officinalis for reference by fellow researchers and farmers.
First, the main cultivation methods include:
1. **Quail-style single-leaf asparagus**: This is the most common method, with asparagus cultivated three times a year—autumn, winter, and spring. Some annual crops do not return to land.
2. **Gracilaria and kelp rotation**: Asparagus is cultivated from September to December, followed by kelp from December to April, then asparagus again from April to July, and finally from July to September.
3. **Gracilaria and oyster rotation**: Oysters are suspended during summer, autumn, and winter. After harvesting, asparagus is planted for one or two cycles.
Second, key cultivation techniques involve:
1. **Sea area selection**: The seabed should be uneven, with water depth at least 2 meters below the low tide line. Areas with strong currents can be farmed if equipment is robust. Water quality must be good, with a salinity above 1.018 and no industrial pollution.
2. **Sea area layout**: A "goods" pattern is required for efficient space utilization.
3. **Truss setup**:
- **Pile positioning**: Piles are placed downstream to avoid typhoon periods. The length of each truss is 50–65 meters, with anchor cables twice the water depth.
- **Materials**: Piles vary based on seabed type. Sandy areas use 13 cm diameter piles, while muddy areas require iron anchors. Bamboo ends must be open and about one-third of the full length.
- **Rope setup**: Floating ropes are tied every 50–60 cm, with horizontal ropes reinforced on both sides. Each truss must maintain consistent tightness.
4. **Seedling handling**:
- **Timing**: When water temperature drops to 27°C, typically late September to early October.
- **Seedling preparation**: Polyethylene ropes are used with 3–6 flowers per section. Seedlings should be soaked or disinfected before planting.
- **Clamping**: Seedlings are clamped in clusters, with 50g per meter. Clamps should be placed in the middle, leaving 5–6 cm exposed on both ends.
- **Hanging**: Seedling ropes are connected to floats.
5. **Cultivation management**:
- **Water regulation**: Light levels must be balanced. Too much light causes bleaching, while too little slows growth.
- **Truss adjustment**: Regular checks for broken ropes and buoyancy adjustments are essential.
- **Fertilization**: Generally unnecessary in the South China Sea, but may be needed in nutrient-deficient seasons.
6. **Harvesting**: After 2–3 months of growth, the algae becomes thick and purple. Harvest when 3kg per meter is reached. Avoid early harvesting unless pests are severe. Dry on sunny mornings to prevent spoilage.
Third, major challenges include:
1. **Pests**: From 2002, pests like pelagic otters caused significant damage. High temperatures and dense cultivation created ideal conditions for pests. To reduce their impact, fallow periods during high-temperature seasons are recommended.
2. **Diseases**: White spots, yellowing, and poor coloration indicate illness. Causes include poor seed quality, sudden light changes, overcrowding, and improper seedling density. Solutions include improving germplasm, rational layout, and scientific management, such as adjusting water depth and using ammonium fertilizer.
In conclusion, while asparagus cultivation offers great potential, careful management and sustainable practices are essential to ensure long-term success and minimize environmental and economic risks.
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