Time of Sowing

Time of sowing differs according to the geographical regions.

• In high hill: May-July
• In mid hills: August to September
• In Terai region: September- October

Method of Sowing

• It can be planted on rows on flat bed, or on 15 cm high ridge.
• Sowing is done by dibbling manually or by drilling
• The appropriate seed depth is 2.5cm.
• The protective corky coat(calyx)of seed restricts the gaseous and water movement and also contains germination inhibitors .So pre-sowing soaking in water is done to stimulate the germination.

Spacing and Seed Rate

• The optimum plant population is 1,00,000 to 1,20,000.
• The recommended dose is 6 pockets (3.6kg/ha ) with the spacing of 50 x 20cm.
• 45 x 15 cm is found to be optimum for higher root yield.

Thinning

• The multigerm seed give rises to 3-4 seedlings per seed ball so it is necessary to thin them to maintain the optimum population and reduce the competition leaving a single robust plant per seed ball.
• It is generally done 30 DAS when the plant attains 3-4 leaves.

Water Management

• Irrigation must be based on the soil type and climatic condition
• Pre-sowing irrigation is essential since at the time of sowing, sufficient soil moisture is must for proper irrigation
• For loose textured sandy loam soil irrigation once in 5 to 7 days and for heavy textured clay loam soil once in 8 – 10 days is recommended. The irrigation has to be stopped at least 2 to 3 weeks before harvest.
• At the time of harvest if the soil is too dry and hard it is necessary to give pre harvest irrigation for easy harvest.
• Water requirement 800 – 850 mm

Weed management

• Severe competition of weeds occurs at early stage. So sugarbeet is kept weed free for first 30-35 days,for this 2-3 hand weeding is done.
• Major weeds: Melilotus alba, Convolvulus arvensis, Solanum nigrum, Chenopodium album, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus etc.
• Pyramine @ 3kg a.i./ha diluted in 600-800 litre of water as pre-emergence.
• Betanal @ 2kg a.i./ha diluted in 800-100 litre of water as post emergence

Harvesting

• Sugarbeet crop matures in about 50-70 days.
• Roots of 3-5 cm diameter are best for harvesting.
• Harvesting should be timed so as the roots reach the factory within 48 hours for processing.Till such time the roots should not be harvested

Maturity Indices

• Browning in the lower leaves
• Yellowing of remaining foliage.
• Sugar accumulation 15-16% in roots.