EVALUATION OF SOME SUGAR BEET VARIETIES AS AFFECTED BY HARVESTING DATES UNDER NEWLY RECLAIMED SOIL

Two field experiments were carried out during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons at Kafr El-Hammam village, Sharkia Governorate to study the effect of harvesting dates on productivity of some sugar beet varieties. Sugar beet varieties Gazella, Carola and Lola were planted on 1st October in both seasons. Harvesting dates were done at 180, 195 and 210 days from sowing. The experimental design was a split-plot design with four replication, harvesting dates were allocated in the main plots and varieties in the sub-plots. Results showed that: delaying harvesting dates from 180 to 210 days from sowing significantly increased root fresh weight (g/plant), sucrose%, as well as root and sugar yield (tons/fed). While, nitrogen%, sodium%, potassium% were decreased significantly in both seasons. Harvesting dates at 195 days from sowing gave the highest values. Sugar beet varieties gave significant increase for root fresh weight (g/plant), sucrose%, as well as, root yield and sugar yield (tons/fed) in both seasons. While, sodium%, potassium% decreased significantly in both seasons. However, root diameter in the 2nd season only. The interaction was significant in both seasons for root fresh weight (g/plant), sucrose%, root and sugar yield (tons/fed). However, root diameter in the 1st season and sodium and potassium% in the 2nd season., respectively. In general it can be concluded that harvesting Lola sugar beet variety at 195 days from sowing was the best treatment for maximizing sugar beet productivity in the newly reclaimed soils under the environment of this study.