Sugar beet root shape and its relation with yield and quality

In a two-year (2002–2003) field study, six sugar beet cultivars were arranged in a Randomised Complete Block design with six replications. The aim of the work was to study the root shape variability using an image analysis system and to relate root shape parameters [area (A, cm2), maximum length (L, cm), maximum width (W, cm), average radial (AR, cm), radial variation (RV), circularity (Circ), elongation or the ratio W/L (El) and shape factor (SF)] with yield [fresh root weight (FRW), sugar yield (SY)] and quality [sucrose content % fresh root weight (SC), K, Na, α-amino N]. The main factors (year, site, cultivar) and their interaction had smaller effects on root shape parameters than on yield and its components. Cultivar affected only W but it had a significant impact on all quantitative and qualitative traits. No significant relationship between root W and yield or quality was found for cultivars. Significant, positive relationships between A and FRW or K in roots were found for the year × site × cultivar interaction. SC in roots was related with more rounded roots as revealed by the relationships between SC and Circ or El. Also, rounded roots were related with increased accumulation of K and decreased Na concentrations in sugar beets.

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