The response of some productivity and quality traits of five fodder beet cultivars (beta vulgaris var. crassa) to sowing dates

Fodder beet is a very promising crop to be grown in Syria, and attention has grown to the cultivation of this crop. However, recommended agronomic practices for maximizing productivity are limited. A field experiment was conducted in season 2017/2018 to study the effect of sowing on some productivity and quality traits of five fodder beet cultivars. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plots arrangement with three replicates, sowing dates were assigned to the main plots and fodder beet cultivars (Caribou, Varians, SV Four 16, Tarine and Lipari) were allotted to the sub plots. The results statistical analysis exhibited the superiority of mid Feb. date as compared with midMarch. Sowing dates and varieties exhibited highly significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in most of the studied characteristics. Varieties affected all of the productivity and quality traits significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Lipari and Tarine surpassed the other varieties in terms of the production and quality studied traits. The conclusion is to sow fodder beet in mid-February time in Homs, Syria, to attain the highest yield and quality traits. Also, the study recommends further trials identify optimum agronomic practices especially harvesting date, soil type, land preparation, fertilization and spacing in the other sites in Syria.