Impact of Superabsorbent Polymers and Variety on Yield, Quality and Physiological Parameters of the Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris prov. Altissima Doell)

Abstract

In this study, we focus on the mitigation of the negative impact of drought using the application of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to seed. One way to monitor drought and quantify its impact on crops in field conditions is the nondestructive measurement of physiological processes of the crops using spectral indexes LAI and PRI during vegetation. Therefore, during 2018 and 2019, the increase in biomass and intensity of photosynthetic activity was monitored, and the effect of the SAPs application on the yield parameters of the sugar beet was evaluated in the trial conditions (control, SAPs) at the end of the vegetation period. Through statistical analysis, the significant impact (α ≤ 0.01) of SAPs application on the values of spectral indexes LAI and PRI as well as root and white sugar yields was found. Although the sugar content difference between SAPs and control conditions was not statistically significant, SAPs had a positive influence on the value of this parameter. It was found through periodic monitoring of spectral indexes during the growing period that the crop in the SAPs condition showed higher values of PRI at the beginning of vegetation, which was caused by the accumulation of moisture in the vicinity of the seed and subsequent faster growth of roots and photosynthetic apparatus. Moreover, the values of LAI were significantly higher (α ≤ 0.01) in the SAPs condition throughout the vegetation period. In the interaction evaluation, we confirmed that in both years the values of LAI were higher in the condition with SAPs compared with the control. In contrast, the PRI values were significantly different across conditions. The interaction of conditions with variety showed that the variety Brian obtained higher values of LAI and PRI in the SAPs condition. The correlation analysis found a positive correlation between spectral indexes LAI:PRI (r = 0.6184**), and between LAI:RY (r = 0.6715**), LAI:WSY (r = 0.5760**), and PRI:RY (r = 0.5038*), which confirms the close relationship between physiological processes in the plant and the size of its yield.

Impact of seed coating with superabsorbent polymers on morphological, physiological and production traits of maize (Zea mays L.)

“…This study found a significant influence of SAPs on the weight of leaves and roots of young plants, with significantly higher values of these traits in the SAP treatment condition. This is consistent with the findings of Pačuta et al (2021) that plants treated with SAPs could cope with drought stress better than those growing in the control condition. However, drought conditions during growth phases reduce the plant and leaf size due to decreased transpiration and photosynthesis (Devi et al 2022).…”

Superabsorbent Polymer Seed Coating Reduces Leaching of Fungicide but Does Not Alter Their Effectiveness in Suppressing Pathogen Infestation

“…Jarecki and Wietecha [ 22 ] observed a 0.5-t ha −1 higher yield of soybean from coated seeds in unfavorable conditions. In the experiments of Pačuta et al [ 23 ], the synthetic polymer Aquaholder ® Seed, the same as in our experiment, was used to treat sugar beet seeds and the positive effect of SAP on the leaf area index, root yield, and sugar yield was confirmed.…”

Plant Biostimulants as an Effective Tool for Increasing Physiological Activity and Productivity of Different Sugar Beet Varieties

“…Total nitrogen content was determined in spring as 8.10 mg kg −1 for 2021 and 11.70 mg kg −1 for 2022. The ammonia form of nitrogen was determined calorimetrically using Nessler's reagent [41] and the nitrate form calorimetrically using phenol 2.4-disulfonic acid, as in Pačuta et al [42]. The Mehlich III test was used to determine the phosphorus and potassium content in the soil [43].…”