Peru: It takes 20 years to develop a new variety of asparagus

It's no secret that the effects of climate change can already be perceived and agriculture is one of…

It's no secret that the effects of climate change can already be perceived and agriculture is one of the sectors most affected, so producers around the world are looking for ways to mitigate and adapt their crops to the climate's ups and downs.

According to Andres Casas Diaz, the head of the Faculty of Agronomy, which is part of the Horticulture Department of the National Agrarian University La Molina (UNALM), geneticists from all over the world are looking to develop new varieties of asparagus that are resistant to climate change.

These new varieties of asparagus must also have high yields, a high quality, and be resistant to pests and diseases.

A Peruvian Variety
Casas also spoke about the possibility that Peru could have its own variety of asparagus. In this regard, he said that developing a new variety took about 20 years, that it required a lot of investment, and that, unfortunately, nobody would currently assume such costs.

"Some private companies are doing it within their own resources but if they do not come together it will be difficult to obtain a variety of asparagus developed in Peru. It is necessary to finance the geneticists and the different tests that must be carried out in all the asparagus zones of the country, so it is easier to bring a variety from outside," he said.

In that sense, he said that it would take the country a long time to achieve a new Peruvian variety, unless asparagus producers decided to contribute for their joint benefit. "The UC115 asparagus variety - which is spreading in our country - was funded entirely by the Californian asparagus producers (USA) as they all contributed to the University of California to finance the geneticists and the knowhow. We have to thank California farmers who have developed a new variety. "