Growth parameters of tropical sugar beet as influenced by planting methods and dates of sowing in northern dry zone of Karnataka

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Agricultural Research Station, Mudhol), Karnataka, during 2011-12 and 2012-13 in order to study the effect of planting methods and dates of sowing on growth and yield of tropical sugar beet under irrigated condition. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with five replications. Two planting methods viz. Broad Bed and Furrows (BBF) and Ridges and furrows were assigned to horizontal plots and four dates of sowing viz. August 1st fortnight (FN), September 1st FN, October 1st FN and November 1st FN were assigned to vertical plots. Totally eight treatment combinations were evaluated for two seasons. Growth parameters are recorded at various intervals and final yield was recorded during harvesting. Experimental results showed that Planting on BBF found superior than ridges and furrows and sowing in October 1st FN found significantly superior to other treatments. Interaction effect did not differed significantly with respect to plant height, number leaves per plant, SPAD value and crop growth rate (CGR). October 1st FN sowing on BBF produced significantly higher dry-matter accumulation in dry-matter partitioning studies. The same treatment combination produced significantly higher root, top and sugar yield.