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Flavone compounds in male and female asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis ) plants
Author(s) -
Prickett Timothy C R,
Walker John R L
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740470107
Subject(s) - asparagus , officinalis , biology , botany , shoot , liliaceae , horticulture , traditional medicine , medicine
Abstract Biochemical differences between male and female asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L) plants have been investigated. A compound termed ‘male sex factor’ (MSF) was found only in male shoots during flowering whereas a closely related ‘sex‐like factor’ (SLF) occurred in plants of both sexes. SLF was tentatively identified as 4′‐hydroxy‐5: 7‐dimethoxyflavone (5: 7‐dimethoxy‐apigenin). The possible role of MSF in asparagus breeding and cultivation is considered.