Effect of agronomic practices and varieties on productivity of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) in semi-arid region of Punjab

A Held experiment was conducted during 2002–03 and 2003–04 to evaluate the effects of sowing dates, sowing method and varieties on sugarbeet yield in semi-arid environment of Punjab. The crop sown on October 10 gave the highest root yield (77.21 ha−1) and was significantly better than September 25 and October 25 sowings during 2002–03, while in 2003–04, September 25 sown crop produced the highest root yield (88.3 t ha−1) and was at par with October 10 sowing. On an average, the delay in planting from September 25 to October 10 was at par while further delay in sowing i.e. Oct 25, brought 19.4 per cent reduction. September 25 and October 10 sowings produced statistically higher root and sugar yield than October 25 sowing during both the years. Among varieties, cv. Posada yielded 22.3 per cent higher mean root yield (84.61 ha−1) and 28.9 per cent mean sugar yield (12.21 ha−1) than H 10064. Sucrose content in roots did not vary due to sowing dates and varieties. The root yield, sucrose content and sugar yield were not influenced by sowing methods.