How Does AspireUS Work?
AspireUS operates off the following principles:
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The storage root system is the “engine” that drives asparagus growth.
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The size of the system can be thought of as the “gas tank”.
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The CHO content of the roots indicates how much “gas” is in the tank at any time during the year – how full, or how empty, is it?
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Knowing the size of the “gas tank” and the amount of “gas” (CHO) helps growers make better crop management decisions during the year.
AspireUS is the “gas gauge” which can tell growers how much CHO (gas) is in the tank, and what it means for the crop at any time during the year. It provides an easy way to measure and interpret the root CHO content. The system:
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provides a method for estimating root CHO content by using a refractometer to measure the Brix% of the sap squeezed from the storage roots.
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interprets the Brix% information and uses this knowledge to help growers make crop management decisions.
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has an interactive information delivery system that provides a rapid response via the Internet.
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contains a database that is secure and allows growers to archive information about each registered field.
Asparagus growers can use AspireUS to:
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decide when to stop harvesting based on the CHO content of the roots.
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evaluate the effect of extended harvests on CHO reserves.
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identify root recharge during the summer and fall.
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assess the effects of irrigation management on CHO recharge during fern growth.
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determine if pest or disease outbreaks are influencing CHO fill by the roots.
AspireUS does not make decisions - it provides information to help growers reach decisions.
