ARS | Publication request: Improving Sugarbeet Storability

Submitted to: Newsbeet
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 8, 2010
Publication Date: April 12, 2010
Repository URL: http://eprints.nyisrl.ars.usda.gov/1362/1339.pdf
Citation: Strausbaugh, C.A. 2010. Improving Sugarbeet Storability. The Newsbeet. Spring Issue 23:22-23.

Technical Abstract: Studies were initiated to establish a storage cultivar selection program which would reduce sucrose losses through improving sugarbeet storability and resistance to rhizomania caused by Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV). Studies were conducted in outdoor and indoor commercial sugarbeet piles using both healthy and BNYVV infested roots. In 2005, 2006, and 2007, commercial sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars were grown in soil naturally infested with BNYVV. At harvest, two root samples from each plot were collected and used to establish percent sugar. Additional samples were placed on top of an indoor pile (set point 1.7°C) and inside an outdoor pile in a randomized complete block design with four replications. After 144 and 142 days in outdoor storage, sugar reduction across cultivars averaged 20 and 13% without and 68 and 21% with BNYVV for the 2005 and 2006 roots, respectively. However, without using infested roots cultivar separation was difficult. After 142 and 159 days in indoor storage, sucrose reduction ranged from 13 to 90% with 2006 roots and 57 to 100% with 2007 roots. Outdoor storage sucrose reduction ranged from 13 to 32% with 2006 roots and 28 to 60% with 2007 roots. Cultivars that retained the most sucrose had resistance to BNYVV and the least fungal growth and weight loss. Indoor storage with BNYVV infested roots allowed for the most consistent cultivar separation and will potentially lead to cultivars being selected for improved storability and rhizomania resistance.