M.A. Thesis:

Effect of foliar application of solo potash and potassium nitrate on quantitative and quantitative characteristics of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) in ultra-nar row culture system

In order to study the effects of foliar application of solo potash and potassium nitrate on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sugar beet in ultra-narrow row culture system, a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried at Jovein county. Experimental factors included potassium foliar application at five levels of control (non-foliar application), solo potash and potassium nitrate foliar application each in two concentrations of 0.5 and 1% and the number of potassium foliar application in two levels of one foliar application in 6-8 leaf stage and two foliar applications in 6-8 and 14-16 leaf stages. Results showed that potassium source had significant effect on all quantitative and qualitative characteristics, except sugar purity. The foliar application of different potassium source significantly increased shoot yield compared with non-foliar application conditions. The highest shoot yield was produced with two foliar applications of potassium nitrate at concentration of 1%, which had no significant difference with foliar application of 0.5% potassium nitrate and 1% solo potash at same conditions. The foliar application of 1% solo potash, 0.5% potassium nitrate and 1% potassium nitrate significantly increased root yield compared to control treatment. No significant difference was observed between the treatments in relation to root yield. Two foliar applications of potassium at 6-8 and 14-16 leaf stages significantly increased root yield compared with one foliar application at 6-8 leaf stage. The highest percentage of root dry matter was obtained by 0.5% potassium nitrate foliar application, which did not have significant difference with 1% solo potash and 1% potassium nitrate treatments. The foliar applications of 1% solo potash, 0.5% potassium nitrate and 1% potassium nitrate increased molasses sugar percentage and decreased sugar and white sugar percentage. The highest molasses sugar percentage and the lowest sugar and white sugar percentage were obtained at 1% potassium nitrate foliar application. Sugar yield considerably increased with foliar application of potassium. The foliar application of 0.5% potassium nitrate produced the highest sugar yield. The foliar application of different sources of potassium significantly increased potassium and sodium content of sugar beet root. Two foliar applications of 1% potassium nitrate, 0.5% potassium nitrate and 1% solo potash significantly increased nitrogen content compared with control treatment. According to results, two foliar applications of potassium nitrate at 6-8 and 14-16 leaf stages is recommended to producing maximum root yield and sugar yield in ultra-narrow row culture system.

Keywords: ultra-narrow row culture system, molasses sugar, potassium nitrate, solo potash, sugar yield