Asparagus

Dutch company offers asparagus weighing machine

Christiaens Agro Systems, a Dutch company, is offering a weighing machine for making asparagus packages.The machine consists of a line with a conveyor belt and a packaging apparatus. The line weighs every single spear and... more »

Buyer beware: Farm labor contracts require scrutiny

Craig Anderson had some pointed advice for asparagus growers who were contemplating the use of farm labor contractors this spring to help fill gaps in their shrinking employment pool."We know a lot of them say,... more »

Lack of labor puts Michigan asparagus harvest on hold

Michigan asparagus is ready to be harvested, but a lack of labor is putting things on hold.And this isn't a new issue. Here's more from WZZM13, a television station based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan:Asparagus... more »

Maintain quality during postharvest handling

Successful marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables depends on maintaining the quality through harvest and beyond.Marita Cantwell, postharvest specialist at the University of California, Davis, said in a presentation at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable... more »

Control herbicide-resistant pigweeds in asparagus with alternative modes of action

The Photosystem II (PS II) inhibiting herbicides have been used successfully in asparagus production for over 50 years. Current PS II inhibitors labeled for use in asparagus include Karmex (diuron), Lorox (linuron), Sinbar (terbacil) and... more »

Reduce the temperature of asparagus once it’s harvested

Randy Beaudry has respect for the makeup of what he believes is the most perishable of vegetables – asparagus. "Asparagus is kind of an amazing vegetable," said the professor in Michigan State University's Department of... more »

Cool asparagus as quickly as possible once harvested

Randy Beaudry has respect for the makeup of what he believes is the most perishable of vegetables – asparagus."Asparagus is kind of an amazing vegetable," said the professor in Michigan State University's Department of Horticulture,... more »

California drought showing no signs of relenting

Although early February storms brought much-needed precipitation to California, they only made a small dent in the four-year-old drought, water managers said.Many of the state's vegetable growers said they still don't expect any surface water... more »