Study of correlation between reduction of sugar content and leaf regrowth of sugar beet in Moghan region

Document Type : Scientific-Extension

Authors

1 Sugar Beet Seed Institute, Karai, Iran

2 Moghan Agricultural Research centre, lvfoghan, Iran

3 College of Agricultural, University of Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

To study the correlation between the reduction of sugar content and leaf regrowth of sugar beet, an experiment was carried out in Moghan region in 1995-1997. A split - split plot experiment was conducted within a randomized complete block design with four replications. Two sowing dates (late March and late April), two sowing methods (direct and paper pot), and three genotypes were arranged as the main, sub and sub - sub .plots, respectively. Sugar beet plants were harvested once a month from June to -October. After each sampling, 'root yield, top weight, total weight sugar content sugar yield, and root to top ratio were determined. The results showed a lag-phase during the growth period. A rapid development of the leaves in the early stages of growth was followed by a considerable reduction in the leaf area in the middle of summer. Thereafter, plants·· resumed to produce new leaves, which in turn decreased sugar content in taproots. Warm temperature and high humidity could have an influence on this kind of physiological response in sugar beet in Moghan. The results also indicated that transplanting 50 days seedlings of z-type cultivar in the middle of March and harvesting them in September was the best treatment.

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