[Development of an early test for anthocyanin formation in asparagus]

1. An early test is described which makes it possible to recognize anthocyanin containing seedlings of asparagus. The test can be used to separate the progeny from anthocyanin-free single plants into types containing anthocyanin and those which are free of it. 2. The early test requires only 15 to 18 days in comparison with the field test which takes about 400 days. Thus very important information for the breeding of asparagus is obtainable 15 months earlier. 3. An agreement was found between the field anthocyanin test and the early test. On 3.9 mill. selected individuals of the variety 'Spaganiva' which were free of anthocyanin types it was demonstrated that the early test gives true results.