Document Type : Scientific - Research
Authors
1
Associate Professor of Sugar Beet Seed Institute (SBSI) - Associate professor of Sugar Beet Seed Institute (SBSI), Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
2
Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Shiraz, Iran
3
Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Dezful, Iran
4
Sugar Beet Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
10.22092/jsb.2025.368599.1382
Abstract
Autumn cultivation of sugar beet offers a promising solution to water scarcity issues by capitalizing on natural precipitation during the autumn and winter seasons, thereby reducing the need for irrigation. However, a major challenge is the bolting phenomenon, where the plant shifts from vegetative to reproductive growth, negatively impacting both yield quantity and quality. This study aimed to evaluate various sugar beet cultivars for their yield performance, bolting resistance, and resistance to Cercospora leaf spot disease under autumn cultivation conditions. The research involved 19 experimental hybrids and a bolting-resistant control variety named Antek, tested across different environmental conditions in Fars (Fasa) and Khuzestan provinces. The study found that genetic diversity significantly influenced yield traits such as white sugar yield, root yield, and sugar content. At the Fasa Research Farm, genotypes T-10075, T-10042, T-10056, T-10054, T-10036, and T-10039 exhibited the highest white sugar yields, significantly outperforming the control variety. At the Dezful Research Station, genotypes T-10038, T-10076, and T-10073 showed higher yields. Bolting resistance was also evaluated, with several genotypes showing no bolting, comparable to the control variety Antek. Genotype T-10061 had a low bolting rate of 1.58%, while T-10043 and T-10053 had higher rates, making them unsuitable for autumn cultivation. The study also assessed resistance to Cercospora leaf spot disease, finding that genotypes T-10075, T-10076, and Antek were resistant, while others were semi-resistant or semi-susceptible. Notably, genotype T-10076 demonstrated high white sugar yield, resistance to Cercospora leaf spot disease, and no bolting, making it highly recommended for cultivation in Dezful. Overall, the study underscores the importance of genetic diversity in optimizing yield and resistance traits, providing valuable insights for future breeding efforts to enhance the sustainability and productivity of sugar beet farming in water-scarce regions.
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