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Italian scientists are conducting experiments with winter sowing of sugar beets, seeking to adapt the crop to the changing climatic conditions of the Mediterranean region.
Traditional spring sowing dates are increasingly facing limitations due to summer drought, high temperatures, and the spread of diseases, particularly Cercospora leaf spot.
The study lasted two years and was carried out in the Legnaro area (Padua, northeastern Italy), involving nine sugar beet varieties. Sowing was conducted at different dates, ranging from late September to early November, in order to evaluate the impact of sowing time on plant development and yield performance.
The results showed that the key factor determining plant survival during winter is the level of crop development before the onset of cold weather. The best results were observed with sowing in September and early October, while late sowing in early November resulted in plant losses of up to 80%.
At the same time, excessively early sowing increased the risk of bolting, which negatively affects both crop quality and yield. The most balanced results were achieved with sowing in late October, combining moderate winter hardiness with high productivity in certain varieties.
Some varieties sown in late autumn produced root yields of 81-84 t/ha, demonstrating the potential of this cultivation method when suitable genetics are selected. Sugar content in the roots also varied depending on seasonal moisture conditions, with higher sugar levels recorded during drier years.
Researchers emphasize that late October sowing provides the best balance between winter survival, bolting risk, and yield potential, provided that appropriate varieties are chosen. Further studies are planned to compare this approach with conventional spring sowing in order to assess its economic feasibility.
More details: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/16/11/1060