A Leaf wilting in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) based on varietal difference of root system.

Abstract

Thirteen varieties/strains of sugar beet were cultivated in haplic andosol and the relationship between root system distribution and resistance to high temperature and dry soil conditions was investigated during the hot summer of 2006. We found that there were clear differences on the degree of leaf wilting among thirteen varieties/strains. When leaves of other varieties had wilted despite closing stomata to reduce water loss, the leaves of 'Kabutomaru' did not wilt. Based on the degree of leaf wilting, 'Kabutomaru', 'Stout' and 'Ascend' were selected and their diffusion conductance was measured. Under high temperature and dry soil condition, 'Kabutomaru' maintained high diffusion conductance values. 'Ascend', which had the greatest degree of wilting, had low values with a photosynthetic rate not exceeding 50%-60% at stomata full opening. Diffusion conductance of 'Stout' was intermediate between that of the other varieties. Root system spreading was also examined. In contrast to the deep root system of 'Kabutomaru', 'Ascend' and 'Stout' had shallow root systems. In summary, the vertical distribution of root systems varied among sugar beet varieties, and the deeper the root system, the greater the plant's ability to take up water from deeper levels during hot, dry conditions and to resist wilting. In Abashiri City, Hokkaido where this research was conducted, poorer soil conditions result in shallower sugar beet roots and lower yield per area. Although several points require further consideration, the deep root systems that characterize 'Kabutomaru' provide hope for improving harvest stability.

Effects of ratoon harvesting on the root systems of processing spinach

“…In our ratoon harvesting system, the regrowth period coincided usually with the dry season, which was further worsened by unusually small precipitation in 2016, resulting in dry soil. Sugar beet, which belongs to the same family as spinach, with shallower root systems (due to soil type or beet cultivar) wilts more promptly in summer dry season (Hayashi et al 2004, Itoh et al 2008. Therefore, roots in the subsoil would facilitate a smooth growth of the plants in dry conditions.…”

Quantitative evaluation of the hop (<i>Humulus lupulus</i> L.) root system based on wall profile method

“…The contribution of varietal differences in root expansion habit to plant growth has also been observed in different crops. Itoh et al (2008) reported that varietal differences in the root system distribution of sugar beets affected the responses of the plants to heat and dryness. More extensive and detailed studies are necessary to confirm the contribution of hop genotypes to cone yield as a result of root expansion habit.…”