Asparagus wilting - Ask Extension
Hi! We are on the third year of our asparagus patch. We were super excited to be able to harvest. We got one really healthy early spear and now all th...
Knowledgebase
Asparagus wilting #865820
Asked April 24, 2024, 11:04 PM EDT
Hi! We are on the third year of our asparagus patch. We were super excited to be able to harvest. We got one really healthy early spear and now all the spears shrivel up and flop over. Is this crown rot? We did have a little asparagus beetle infestation on the fronds last summer. I tried to be diligent on trimming and removing infested fronds. Could that be the culprit? Thanks!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Based upon what we can see in the photos, we think frost damage accounts for the wilting asparagus. This is especially likely if all or almost all of the emerging spears were affected, and not just some here and there.
Compare the spears in your photos to those shown here:
https://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/english/asparagus/diseases-and-disorders/frost.html
Compare the spears in your photos to those shown here:
https://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/IPM/english/asparagus/diseases-and-disorders/frost.html
Does this affect spears that werent up when we had frost? This morning some new ones appear to be emerging soft and are yellow.
Frost isn't likely to damage spears that haven't emerged.
Disease such as Fusarium or Phytopthora might be affecting plants. However, laboratory analysis may be needed to determine whether this is true and what should be done about it.
If the problem persists, take or send samples to the University of Minnesota Plant Disease Clinic for a certain diagnosis.
https://pdc.umn.edu/
Go here to learn about diseases that might cause asparagus to wilt:
https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/apsnetfeatures/Pages/DiseasesofAsparagus.aspx
https://extension.umn.edu/vegetable-growing-guides-farmers/asparagus-pest-management#phytophthora-root-rot-2309863
Disease such as Fusarium or Phytopthora might be affecting plants. However, laboratory analysis may be needed to determine whether this is true and what should be done about it.
If the problem persists, take or send samples to the University of Minnesota Plant Disease Clinic for a certain diagnosis.
https://pdc.umn.edu/
Go here to learn about diseases that might cause asparagus to wilt:
https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/apsnetfeatures/Pages/DiseasesofAsparagus.aspx
https://extension.umn.edu/vegetable-growing-guides-farmers/asparagus-pest-management#phytophthora-root-rot-2309863
