Sugar Beet

Growth Habit: Biennial

Climate Requirements: Prefers temperate climates with cool nights and moderate rainfall.

Soil Requirements: Grows best in deep, well-drained loamy soil with pH 6.0–7.5.

Water Requirements: Moderate water requirements; irrigation needed in dry regions.

Planting Instructions: Direct sow seeds 2–3 cm deep in rows spaced 50 cm apart.

Harvesting Information: Harvested after 5–6 months when sugar content reaches 15–20%.

Plant Characteristics: Sugar beet is a biennial root crop with a large, white, tuberous root used for sugar extraction.

Nutrient Content: Rich in carbohydrates and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Health Benefits: Boosts energy, supports digestion, and contains antioxidants.

Yield Information: Average yield is around 50–70 tons per hectare.

Culinary Uses: Used for sugar extraction, beet juice, and animal feed.

Industrial Uses: Used in bioethanol production, food coloring, and pharmaceuticals.

Native Range: Mediterranean region and Western Asia.

Current Distribution: Grown in Europe, North America, and China.

Common Pests: Aphids, beet leaf miners, and cutworms.

Diseases: Rhizomania, Cercospora leaf spot, and powdery mildew.

IPM Practices: Use disease-resistant varieties, proper crop rotation, and integrated pest control.

Market Value: $180.90