Evaluation of Sugarbeet Genotypes (Beta VulgarisL.) for Root Yield and Quality Traits under Subtropical Conditions

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to study the suitability of sugarbeet genotypes and to elucidate their yield related and quality characteristics under subtropical conditions during rabi 2014–2015. Thirteen sugarbeet genotypes were sown in randomized block design (RBD) in a plot size of 36 m2 having three replications and data were recorded for germination (%), shoot length (cm), root length (cm), total length (root + shoot, in cm), shoot weight (kg), root weight (kg), root/shoot ratio, root girth (cm), root volume (cm3), biological yield per plant (kg), harvest index (%), Brix (°), sucrose (%), purity (%) in juice and root yield per plot (kg) were recorded. Analysis of variance was significant for traits viz: germination (%), shoot length, root length, total length, root girth, root volume, Brix (°), sucrose (%), purity (%) and root yield per plot. Germination (%) varied from 60% (Calixta) to 89.67% (Cauvery). Magnolia recorded the highest root length (31.33 cm). The most promising genotype for both root girth (cm) and root volume (cm3) respectively was Cauvery (46.25, 1755.78 cm3). Regarding quality, the superior genotype for Brix (°), sucrose (%) and purity (%) was H10671 (18.00, 15.20 and 84.42, respectively). Cauvery (194.51 kg) ranked first for root yield per plot followed by Indus (165.31 kg) and SV 892 (163.85 kg). The correlation coefficients of different traits with root yield and among themselves showed that there were highly significant and positive associations between root yield with total length. (r=0.416), shoot length (r=0.475), shoot weight (r=0.435), root girth (r=0.605), root volume(r=0.538) and germination (%) (r=0.360) while it was negatively correlated with root length and harvest index. Therefore, these traits should be given emphasis while making selections for high yielding genotypes in sugarbeet. The results revealed that the genotypes/varieties of sugarbeet are capable to produce high amounts of root yield and sugar content however, molecular basis of variability and association among the traits needs to be probed further.