The role of agronomy and variety on tissue integrity and damage of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) during production processes.
Chunga, P.Z. (2023) The role of agronomy and variety on tissue integrity and damage of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) during production processes. Doctoral thesis, Harper Adams University.
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Paul Chunga Submitted thesis Paul Chunga 20.11.2023.pdf Download (11MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is the second most important sugar crop in the world after sugar cane. The crop supplies about 55 % of the sugar consumed in the UK. Currently, sugar losses in storage are circa 0.1-3 % per volume per day. This substantial loss is attributed to leaching and respiration which are promoted by easily damaged weak tissues. Currently, there is little information on how variety, harvesting conditions and nutrition affect beet damage in the UK. This study hypothesised that variety, growing environment and nutrition influence physiological and cellular factors that contribute towards sugar beet root tissue strength. Specifically, the study aimed to 1) identify sugar beet varieties for tissue damage susceptibility and resilience, 2) identify morphological and tissue basis resilience to root breakage, 3) study the effect of environmental factors on tissue resilience and 4) study the effect of nutrient status during growth on tissue resilience and root impurities. Field experiments were planted at Bracebridge, Lincolnshire and Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire, in 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons in randomised complete block designs. In 2020, 2021 and 2022, a susceptible variety was planted in the field and polytunnel to assess the effect of moisture and temperature, while in 2021 and 2022, two susceptible varieties were planted in the field to assess the effect of Ca and B. Results show that varieties significantly differ in root tip diameter after damage (p < 0.05), width (p < 0.001), length (p < 0.001), puncture resistance (p < 0.001) and compression resistance (p < 0.001). Root tip diameter after damage correlated with tissue compression, root width, length, and root weight while surface damage is linked to puncture resistance and moisture content prior to harvesting. Maintaining high water status for seven consecutive weeks prior to harvesting accelerated tissue frailness but also increased root tissue and surface damage while harvesting temperature had no effect. Ca application reduced surface damage while B increased resistance to compression. Impurities were not affected by Ca, B and variety but by season. Our results suggest that variety choice, harvesting time and plant nutrition are key in minimising root tissue damage.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Divisions: | Agriculture and Environment (from 1.08.20) |
| Depositing User: | Mrs Rachael Giles |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Dec 2023 15:53 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Dec 2023 15:53 |
| URI: | https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18035 |
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