The effect of seed priming on field emergence and root yield of sugar beet

Abstract

The effect of sugar beet seed (primed and non-primed) on field emergence and root yield of sugar beet was examined. The experiment was realized in the years 2012–2014 at an Experiment Field Station of Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW Faculty of Agriculture and Biology in Skierniewice (51°97'N, 20°19'E) in Poland. The experimental factor was diversified seed material of the same cultivar of sugar beet – typical seeds, traditionally prepared for sowing (non-primed seeds) and seeds before sowing, subjected to the process of priming. On average for the three years of the study, no significant effect of seed priming on the field emergence was found. On the other hand, the sugar beet emergence on plots with primed seeds was faster, more even and uniform. Seed priming, on average for the three years of the study, significantly increased the mean root mass during harvest. In contrast, priming the seeds did not cause an increase in the final plant density. No significant effect of seed priming on root yield was found, both on average for the studied period and in particular years of the study.