Evaluation of Morphological, Yield and Quality Performance of Sugar Beet Genotypes under Different Soil pH Levels

Abstract

The study examined the production and quality of different sugar beet genotypes under the cultivable soil pH range of Bangladesh. The field experiment was carried out between October 2021 and March 2022 on the central farm of Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, in a Split plot Design with three replications. Twelve sugar beet genotypes were cultivated in field and tested for soil liming at three levels: i. control or no liming (pH 5.5), ii. Liming as CaCO3 at 2t/ha (pH level 6.5±0.5) and iii. Liming as CaCO3 at 4.5 t/ha (pH level 7.5±0.5). The results revealed that the genotype SV889 has the highest root length, SPAD value, sugar yield, TSS and sucrose content (15.90 cm, 46.80, 22.67 t/ha, 20 °Brix and 16.15%, respectively) in T1 (soil pH level 6.5±0.5; liming at 2 t/ha). SV894 has maximum leaves number/plant and purity in T2 (soil pH level 7.5±0.5; liming at 4.5t/ha). Out of the twelve genotypes, the results indicated that four (KWS Allanya, SV 894, BA2 and HI0044) with liming at 4.5 t/ha and eight (KWS Danicia, KWS Serenada, KWS Gregoria, Sakata red beet, SV889, SV 982, BA1 and HI473) with liming at 2 t/ha with the necessary rate of inorganic and organic fertilizer performed better for sugar beet growth and yield. Results indicated that the SV889 sugar beet genotype with 2 t/ha liming performed better in terms of root length, SPAD value, yield, total soluble solids, and sucrose content. Conversely, the SV894 sugar beet genotype is advantageous for the highest number of leaves and purity percentage of sugar beet when liming is applied at 4.5 t/ha.