Effects of methanol on yield and quality properties of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris)

In order to evaluate the effects of methanol on sugar beet quality and yield, a study was conducted at Research Station of Islamic Azad University Of Karaj, Iran during 2008-2009. Aqueous solutions with 0 (control), 7 , 14 , 21 , 28 and 35% (v/v) methanol concentrations which all were contained 0.2% glycine were sprayed 3 times during growth season with two week intervals on foliage parts of sugar beet.The First foliar application was done at 80 days after planting. Some parameters such as root and leaf yield, sugar content, molasses, white sugar content and yield , white sugar and Na, K, N concentration were measured. Results indicated that there was a significant difference (p<0.01) between control plants with those were sprayed with methanol in respect to root and leaf yields , sugar and white sugar yields. Foliar application of 21% methanol solution increased root, leaf and sugar yields up to 92.3 , 53.03 and 13.72 t hP-1P, P Prespectively whereas the maximum white sugar yield (9.28t hP-1P) was achieved with foliar application of 14%(v/v) methanol. The other parameters were not affected by methanol application. It seems applying 14-21% (v/v) methanol on sugar beet plants can increase sugar yield.

Effects of methanol on yield and quality properties of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) Keywords:

methanol , sugar beet , sugar beet quality , sugar yield , white sugar yield