Rutgers has been conducting research on asparagus since the 1940s. Most commercially grown varieties would not exist without the wide range of research that has occurred in Rutgers labs. The intellectual property of top varieties including ‘Jersey Giant,’ ‘Jersey Knight,’ ‘Jersey Supreme,’ and ‘Jersey King’ have been patented by the university. These varieties are grown for characteristics such as their resistance to key diseases, spear quality, ability to grow in many regions, and high yields.
Rutgers is one of the premier asparagus breeders in the world and its asparagus cultivars far out yield other varieties. High yield leads to higher efficiency and greater value for growers.
In addition to the horticultural and agricultural value of asparagus, its nutritional value is also being investigated by Rutgers scientists at the School of Environment and Biological Sciences and at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. They are testing two phytochemicals found in asparagus for their effectiveness in inhibiting certain cancer cells, lowering cholesterol, and other potential health benefits.