Genetic Transformation in Asparagus officinalis L.

Asparagus officinalis L. is a perennial monocotyledon, a member of the Liliaceae family. It grows in temperate climates and under subtropical conditions. Growth of spears normally takes place in sandy soils. There are two culture types: the white asparagus, in which the spears are harvested from earthed up plants, where spears are cut at the crown level just as they emerge through the soil, and the green asparagus, in which the spears are harvested at or about ground level when they reach a fixed height above the soil. The main producers are USA, Spain, France, and Taiwan. White asparagus production predominates in Europe (France and Spain) and Taiwan, while green asparagus is essential in North America and Australasia. In European countries, white asparagus is produced mainly for the fresh market, whereas canned white asparagus is produced in Taiwan.