Beet Research Articles

Sugar beet root susceptibility to storage rots and downregulation of plant defense genes increases with time in storage

Storage rots are a significant cause of postharvest losses for the sugar beet crop, however, intrinsic physiological and genetic factors that determine the susceptibility of roots to pathogen infection and disease development are unknown. Research, therefore, was carried out to evaluate the disease development in sugar beet roots caused by two common storage pathogens as a function of storage duration and storage temperature, and to identify changes in the expression of defense genes that may be influencing the root susceptibility to disease. To evaluate root susceptibility to disease, freshly harvested roots were inoculated with Botrytis cinerea or Penicillium vulpinum on the day of harvest or after 12, 40, or 120 d storage at 5 or 12 °C and the weight of rotted tissue present in the roots after incubation for 35 d after inoculation were determined. Disease susceptibility and progression to B. cinerea and P. vulpinum increased with storage duration with elevations in susceptibility occurring more rapidly to B. cinerea than P. vulpinum. Also, B. cinerea was more aggressive than P. vulpinum and caused greater rotting and tissue damage in postharvest sugar beet roots. Storage temperature had minimal effect on root susceptibility to these rot-causing pathogens. Changes in defense gene expression were determined by sequencing mRNA isolated from uninoculated roots that were similarly stored for 12, 40 or 120 d at 5 or 12 °C. As susceptibility to rot increased during storage, concurrent changes in defense-related gene expression were identified, including the differential expression of 425 pathogen receptor and 275 phytohormone signal transduction pathway-related genes. Furthermore, plant resistance and hormonal signaling genes that were significantly altered in expression coincident with the change in root susceptibility to storage rots were identified. Further investigation into the function of these genes may ultimately elucidate methods by which storage rot resistance in sugar beet roots may be improved in the future.

Application in confectionery creams of table beet extracts (Beta vulgaris L.) obtained using ultrasonic treatment

Application in confectionery creams of table beet extracts (Beta vulgaris L.) obtained using ultrasonic treatment

The Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation on Soccer Performance and Recovery: A Critical Review of the Available Evidence

Background Soccer is linked to an acute inflammatory response and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidant supplements have shown promising effects in reducing muscle damage and oxidative stress and enhancing the recovery process after eccentric exercise. This critical review highlights the influence of antioxidant supplements on performance and recovery following soccer-related activity, training, or competition. Methods: English-language publications from the main databases that examine how antioxidant-based nutrition and supplements affect the recovery process before, during, and after soccer practice or competition were used. Results: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), astaxanthin (Asx), red orange juice (ROJS), L-carnitine (LC), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), beetroot (BET), turmeric root, and tangeretin reduce muscle damage (creatine kinase, myoglobin, cortisol, lactate dehudrogenase, muscle soreness). Tangeretin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), turmeric root, and aronia melanocarpa restrict inflammation (leukocytes, prostalagdin E2, C-reactive protein, IL-6 and 10). Q10, DHA, Asx, tangeretin, lippia citriodora, quercetin, allopurinol, turmeric root, ROJS, aronia melanocarpa, vitamins C-E, green tea (GTE), and sour tea (STE) reduce oxidative stress (malondialdehude, glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutases, protein carbonyls, ascorbate, glutathione peroxidase, and paraoxonase 1). BET and NAC reinforce performance (endurance, jump, speed, strength). Conclusions: Further research is needed to determine the main mechanism and the acute and long-term impacts of antioxidant supplements in soccer.

Design and experiment of a deviation information detection mechanism for sugar beet harvesters based on agricultural machinery and agronomy integration

To address large geometric shape differences, poor ridge distribution straightness and the uncertain spatial distribution of beet roots during the harvesting period, as well as damage caused by the inaccurate row correction detection mechanisms of combine harvesters, this study conducts a design analysis and performance tests of deviation information detection mechanisms based on the integration of agricultural machinery and agronomy. The agronomic process of mechanized sugar beet production was analyzed, the geometric dimensions of root tubers under typical planting patterns of typical varieties in main sugar beet production areas were measured, and a three-dimensional geometric model of beet root tubers was established. A device for measuring ridge shape and root tuber distribution was designed, and agronomic parameters during the harvesting period, such as plant spacing, ridge height, unearthed height, and deviation distance of beet root tubers, were measured and analyzed. A spatial model of ridge shape and beet root tuber growth distribution on the ridge during harvesting was established. The overall structure of the deviation information detection mechanism was analyzed and designed, and the structural forms and key parameters of key mechanisms, such as left‒right swing detection and up‒down floating profiling, were designed on the basis of agronomic parameter analysis. Using the missed detection rate as the evaluation index, field performance tests of the deviation information detection mechanism were conducted. The results revealed that when the average forward speed of the harvester was 0.84 m/s, the average missed detection rate of the deviation information detection mechanism was 0.56%. This method has high adaptability and detection accuracy and achieves a high level of integration for agricultural machinery (detection spatial region of the detection mechanism) and agronomy (beet root distribution spatial region). This study provides a technical basis and methodological reference for improving the quality and efficiency of automatic row correction combined with harvesting operations for crops such as sugar beets.

Evaluation of foliar fungicides for Cercospora leaf spot management in table beet in New York

Evaluation of foliar fungicides for Cercospora leaf spot management in table beet in New York

Improving a technique for producing a polycomponent semi-finished product with high degree of readiness for 3-D printing of functional food

The object of this study is the process of producing polycomponent semi-finished products of a high degree of readiness using a model structure of functional equipment, in particular, based on apple, Jerusalem artichoke, table beet, and sea buckthorn. A feature of the improved technique is the implementation of preliminary heat treatment with hot steam of raw materials: apple – 1.0...2.0 min, Jerusalem artichoke – 3...6 min, and table beet – 6...12 min, respectively. Sea buckthorn was not processed, only technological rinsing was used. Grinding of raw materials was carried out on a double grinding machine (apple, Jerusalem artichoke, and table beet – 0.2...0.5 10-3 m, and sea buckthorn – 0.5...1 mm). The combined production of polycomponent semi-finished products of a high degree of readiness (pastes/fractional powder) was implemented using a model structure of functional equipment. The boiling process in a rotary-film evaporator was carried out at a temperature of 55 °C for 65 seconds to a dry matter content of 25 %. Drying of the cooked multicomponent mass was carried out in a single-drum cylindrical IR dryer at a temperature of 50 °C to a final moisture content of 3...6 % and fractional grinding (0.3...0.6 mm). The rheological properties of the paste-like multicomponent semi-finished product were determined by the change in dynamic viscosity for composition 2, which is 485 Pa∙s, and in the control sample of applesauce, this indicator is 50 Pa∙s. When boiling in a rotary-film evaporator at a temperature of 55 °C to a content of 30 % of dry substances, there is an increase in the strength of dynamic viscosity by 3.2 times (600 Pa∙s), and in the control (apple paste) this indicator is 178 Pa∙s with a dry matter content of 25 %

Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil

The current effective method of mitigating soil acidity is the application of lime. However, the costs associated with acquiring lime make it challenging for small-scale farmers in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the liming potential of ground eggshells relative to aglime and its effect on P availability in two acidic soils differing in textural classes, and its subsequent effect on the growth of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). Two soils used in the study were sandy clay loam, which had an initial pH of 4.52, and sandy loam with an initial pH of 5.23. Both lime sources were applied at a rate of 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 t/ha through incubation for 120 days. Our results indicated that applying eggshells and aglime significantly increased soil pH within 7 days (p < 0.05) compared to the 0-rate application across all application rates in both soil types. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in pH between the two applied lime sources. Plant-available P was not significantly different between the applied lime sources at all application rates and the 0-rate application; however, the two lime sources increased plant-available phosphorus above 25 ppm, which is the minimum health level of plant-available phosphorus. The results of plant yield showed no differences (p > 0.05) between the plant dry weights. However, Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy clay loam showed poor and stunted growth while Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy loam did not exhibit poor and stunted growth. According to the study’s results, eggshells have a similar liming effect as aglime and their dissolution rate is similar; therefore, eggshells can be used as a substitute of aglime to increase soil pH. Using eggshells as a substitute for aglime could offer substantial benefits to small-scale farmers by reducing input costs and providing a locally sourced, sustainable alternative. This approach can also enhance economic sustainability in rural communities by promoting the recycling of agricultural by-products and making essential soil amendments more affordable and accessible.

Humic Acid-Salinity Interaction on Morphophysiological and Post-Harvest Characteristics of Red Beet

Humic Acid-Salinity Interaction on Morphophysiological and Post-Harvest Characteristics of Red Beet

Genetic architecture of Cercospora leaf spot response in table beet with implications for other Beta vulgaris crop types

AbstractTable beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) production is threatened by the fungal disease Cercospora leaf spot (CLS). Infections are common across table beet's closest relatives, including Swiss chard, sugar beet, and fodder beet (all B. v. subsp. vulgaris). This study was conducted to characterize the genetic architecture underlying CLS response in table beet. A secondary objective was to test whether CLS‐associated loci in table beet perform similarly across B. vulgaris crops. A diversity panel comprised of 168 table beet accessions and with an additional 70 accessions from all close relatives of table beet was screened for CLS response in replicated and inoculated field trials. Results from a genome‐wide association study of additive effects revealed seven quantitative trait loci mapped to chromosomes 1, 3, 7, and 9 to explain 30% of the phenotypic variation for CLS response in table beet. When the performance of these loci was compared between a table beet background and a background of Swiss chard, sugar beet, and fodder beet, two loci exhibited significantly different responses. Among the B. vulgaris crops, these loci may be unique to table beet germplasm and could be useful for the improvement of CLS resistance in other crop types. For the improvement of CLS resistance in table beet, this study identified the cultivar Winter Keeper as a potentially valuable source of resistance. The architecture of CLS response points to recurrent selection and backcross methods as effective strategies for the improvement of CLS resistance in table beet.

Identification and functional analysis of the Dof transcription factor genes in sugar beet.

In this study, members of the BvDof transcription factor family were identified in the beet genome data (Beta vulgaris L.) Through systematic analysis, 22 BvDof family genes were found in the beet genome, and they were divided into nine groups by phylogenetic analysis. Fifteen members of the BvERF family were involved in the transition to rapid root tuber growth. There was a tandem replication during the generation of the Dof gene family in sugar beet. Bv1_zfms, Bv_ofna, Bv5_racn, and Bv6_augo may be involved in the regulation of secondary cambium development in the beet root tuber. Bv9_nood, Bv1_zfms, and Bv6_cdca may be related to the growth rate of root tubers. The results provide a reference for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of the BvDof transcription factor, which regulates the development of beet root tubers.

Whole genome sequencing of Leuconostoc suionicum and L. pseudomesenteroides isolates extracted from sugar beet roots.

Leuconostoc suionicum and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides are important lactic acid bacteria identified in rotted tissues of roots in the field and stored sugar beets. Here, we announce the genomes of L. suionicum and L. pseudomesenteroides, isolated from post-harvest sugar beet roots from Idaho and Minnesota.

The Complexity of the Influence of Growth Substances, Heavy Metals, and Their Combination on the Volume Dynamics of Vacuoles Isolated from Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Taproot Cells

The plant vacuole is a very dynamic organelle that can occupy more than 90% of the cell volume and is essential to plant cell growth and development, the processes in which auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) is a central player. It was found that when IAA or FC (fusicoccin) was present in the control medium of vacuoles isolated from red beet taproots at a final concentration of 1 µM, it increased their volume to a level that was 26% or 36% higher than that observed in the control medium without growth regulators, respectively. In the presence of IAA and FC, the time after which most vacuoles ruptured was about 10 min longer for IAA than for FC. However, when cadmium (Cd) or lead (Pb) was present in the control medium at a final concentration of 100 µM, it increased the volume of the vacuoles by about 26% or 80% compared to the control, respectively. The time after which the vacuoles ruptured was similar for both metals. The combined effect of IAA and Pb on the volume of the vacuoles was comparable with that observed in the presence of Pb only, while for FC combined with Pb, it was additive. The use of IAA or FC together with Cd caused in both cases a decrease in the vacuole volumes by about 50%. The data presented in this study are discussed, taking into account the structure and function of the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) and their changes in the presence of growth substances, heavy metals, and their combination.

A Novel Model Proposal and Comparative Analysis of Deep Learning Techniques for Classifying Cercospora beticola and Erysiphe betae Diseases on Sugar Beet Leaves

A Novel Model Proposal and Comparative Analysis of Deep Learning Techniques for Classifying Cercospora beticola and Erysiphe betae Diseases on Sugar Beet Leaves

Soil nutrient analysis on inorganic nutrients and biofertilizer application in spinach beet (Beta vulgaries var. Bengalensis)

Soil nutrient analysis on inorganic nutrients and biofertilizer application in spinach beet (Beta vulgaries var. Bengalensis)

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of spinach beet (Beeta vulgaris var. bengalensis)

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of spinach beet (Beeta vulgaris var. bengalensis)

Effect of zeolite application on soil enzyme activity of potted sandy soil cultivated with Swiss chard and cabbage

A zeolite pot experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Council Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in Stellenbosch, South Africa, under greenhouse conditions. The experiment aimed to investigate the impact of zeolite application on soil enzyme activities in sandy soils cultivated with Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris Var. cicla) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea Var. capitata L.) over two years (2018-2019). Different zeolite-to-soil ratios (0:1, 1:9, 2:8, and 3:7 w/w) were used, with each pot containing 12 kg of soil. The experiment involved 72 pots for each vegetable, arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Soil enzyme activities, including acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and urease, as well as soil chemical properties (pH, total plant-available nitrogen, organic carbon, and phosphorus), were analyzed. Key findings indicate that the effect of zeolite application on enzyme activities varied between the vegetable species. Zeolite application significantly increased (P

The role of zeolite and mineral fertilizers in enhancing Table Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) productivity in dark chestnut soils of Southeast Kazakhstan

This study evaluated the effectiveness of zeolite, both alone and in combination with mineral fertilizers, in improving the yield and quality of table beets (Beta vulgaris L.) grown in dark chestnut soils of southeast Kazakhstan. The research was conducted at the Kazakh Research Institute of Horticulture during the 2022-2023 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with six treatments: control (no fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha, N45P45K45 (single dose of mineral fertilizers), N90P90K90 (double dose of mineral fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha + N45P45K45, and zeolite 2 t/ha + N90P90K90, replicated three times. The application of zeolite significantly improved soil physical properties, such as water permeability and soil density, enhancing root development and water retention. Nutrient availability, particularly nitrate nitrogen and mobile phosphorus, increased significantly in zeolite-treated plots. The combination of zeolite and mineral fertilizers resulted in the highest improvements, with nitrate nitrogen content reaching 40.5 mg/kg and mobile phosphorus 89.2 mg/kg. Moreover, zeolite reduced heavy metal concentrations, particularly cadmium, by 50% compared to the control. Table beet yield significantly increased with zeolite application, with the highest yield of 62.7 t/ha achieved with 2 t/ha zeolite combined with double dose N90P90K90 fertilizers, compared to 42.8 t/ha in the control. Marketable yield also improved, indicating better crop quality. Nutrient composition of the beets improved, with increased dry matter content (21.9%) and reduced nitrate content (240 mg/kg) in zeolite-treated variants. In conclusion, zeolite, especially when combined with mineral fertilizers, effectively enhances soil health, nutrient availability, and table beet yield and quality.

Optical Study on Co-Sensitization of Betanin Dye with Cadmium Sulfide to Fabricate Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

Natural dyes are low-cost, eco-friendly, readily available and have optical characteristics which render them useful in energy research. The titanium tetra isopropoxide precursor can be employed using sol-gel synthesis to get titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). The FESEM analysis confirmed the deposition of TiO2 NPs on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) substrate, which is necessary for the photo-conversion mechanism to produce electricity. One of the natural dyes that is extracted from red beets is known as betanin dye (Bd). Due to their aligned energy levels, Bd and cadmium sulfide (CdS) are used together to provide effective optical characteristics, making them suitable as dye sensitizers. The presence of Cd-S, C-N and hydroxyl groups assigned to 500, 1633, and 3300 cm-1 respectively, was demonstrated by the FTIR analysis. The energy gap of 2.16, 2.13 and 2.2 eV for Bd, CdS and Bd-CdS composite was estimated using Tauc's plot and UV-visible spectra demonstrated maximum absorbance at 485, 510 and 528 nm, respectively. The Bd absorbs broad light in visible region due to the addition of CdS. The major charge-transport phenomenon in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) involves an increase in photo-current density, due to its luminous nature. However, the recombination of charge carriers prevents the overall performance of the DSSCs. The power conversion efficiency of the DSSC constructed from Bd dye and Bd-CdS composite was 0.234% and 0.367%, respectively. This optical investigation suggests co-sensitization as a sure-fire method to improve the efficiency of DSSCs extracted from natural dyes, making them reliable for future indoor applications.

Exploring Sampling Strategies and Genetic Diversity Analysis of Red Beet Germplasm Resources Using SSR Markers

By using 14 SSR primer pairs, we here analyzed and compared the amplification results of 534 DNA samples from six red sugar beet germplasm resources under three treatments. These data were used to explore the sampling strategy for the aforementioned resources. Based on the sampling strategy results, 21 SSR primer pairs were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of 47 red sugar beet germplasm resources. The six population genetic parameters used for exploring the sampling strategy unveiled that individual plants within the population had a relatively large genetic distance. The genetic parameters Ne, I, and Nei’s of the randomly mixed sampling samples increased rapidly between 10 and 30 plants before decreasing. Therefore, when SSR technology was used to analyze the genetic diversity of the red sugar beet germplasm resources, the optimal sampling gradient for each population was the adoption of a random single-plant mixed sampling sample of no less than 10 plants and no more than 30 plants. The 21 SSR primer pairs were used to detect genetic diversity in 30 random mixed samples of 47 resources. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.5738, the average number of observed alleles (Na) was 4.1905, the average number of effective alleles (Ne) was 2.8962, the average Shannon’s information index (I) was 1.1299, the average expected heterozygosity (Nei’s) was 0.6127, and the average expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.6127. The genetic distance of the 47 germplasm resources ranged from 0.0225 to 0.551 (average: 0.316). According to the population structure analysis, the most suitable K value was six, which indicated the presence of six populations. Based on the clustering analysis results, the 47 germplasm resources were segregated into six groups, with obvious clustering and some germplasm resources noted for having groups with close genetic relationships. We here established a more accurate and scientific sampling strategy for analyzing the genetic diversity of red sugar beet germplasm resources by using SSR molecular markers. The findings provide a reference for collecting and preserving red sugar beet germplasms and protecting their genetic diversity.

Bioconversion of sugar beet molasses into functional exopolysaccharides by beet juice-derived lactic acid bacteria

Sugar beet molasses, a sugar-rich byproduct of sugar beet industry, have great potential as a biorefinery feedstock for the production of value-added bio-products by microbial fermentation. The production of functional exopolysaccharides (EPS) by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) represents a promising strategy for valorizing sugar processing waste. This study screened and identified high-efficiency EPS-producing LAB isolates from beet juice. Among the 32 isolates, six LAB strains including Limosilactobacillus fermentum YL7, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YL4, TC10, and CJ10, Leuconostoc mesenteroides TCT3 and TCT4, exhibited efficient bio-conversion of beet molasses to LAB-EPS, with yields varying from 13.96 to 22.26 g/L. Antioxidant activity analysis revealed that EPS from these strains displayed significant scavenging activities against ABTS+, DPPH, and -OH radicals. Notably, EPS produced by L. plantarum TC10 and L. fermentum YL7 exhibited superior ABTS + scavenging capacity, with rates up to 99.48% and 95.89% at 4 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, EPS from strains YL4, YL7, TCT3 and TCT4 showed significant antibiofilm activity against S. aureus and E. coli, with EPS-YL7 inhibiting S. aureus biofilm formation by up to 90.49% at 8.0 mg/mL. Furthermore, EPS from strains TCT4 demonstrated great tolerance to digestive fluid compared to EPS from other strains, with a retention rate of 72% at the end of intestinal digestion. These findings suggest that EPS-producing LAB strains from beet juice can efficiently convert beet molasses into valuable EPS utilized as functional food ingredients.