Enlargement of the genetic variability of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) to improve resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and quality associated compounds

The paper reports preliminary results of a research project aiming to improve the genetic basis of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress as well as quality associated compounds via interspecific and intersubspecific crosses. In the present study, interspecific hybrids between A. albus × A. officinalis, A. maritimus × A. officinalis, A. officinalis × A. verticillatus and A. amarus × A. verticillatus were generated by hand pollination and embryo rescue. The F1 hybrids were analyzed by using molecular and cytological techniques. Whereas the A. albus × A. officinalis hybrid was triploid, the three other hybrids were tetraploid. The morphological characterisation as well as chemical investigation of volatile compounds of the hybrids suggests an intermediate stage between the cross parents. Additionally, the hybrids expressed a number of novel volatile compounds. Potential value of the obtained interspecific hybrids and the further work is discussed.