Different methods of beet seedling production were evaluated by distributing dry matter on the plants. The experimental design was of randomized blocks with four replications and six treatments: T1 - seedlings produced in trays of 288 cells (1.2 x 10-5 m³); T2 - 200 cells (1.6 x 10-5 m³); T3 - 128 cells (3.2 x 10-5 m³); T4 - 128 cells (7.2 x 10-5 m³); T5 - direct sowing and T6 - bare-root seedlings. The seedlings produced in trays and the bare-root seedlings were transplanted to the field on the 28th day after the sowing (DAS), with spacing of 0.20 x 0.10m. Four plants from each treatment were sampled at weekly intervals from the 28th until the 98th DAS. The number of leaves and dry matter content of leaves, petioles, roots and shoots were determined. Storage root fresh matter and medium storage root diameter were determined starting from the 77th DAS. On the 98th DAS 20 plants from each treatment were harvested estimating the productivity in kg ha-1. Plants from T5 started thicken the storage roots 42 DAS and those from T1, T2, T3, T4 and T6 started to accumulate dry matter in the roots from the 56 DAS. The methods of beet seedlings production did not significantly modify the productivity, however they increased the cycle, compared to the direct sowing. Nevertheless, if the area is a limiting factor in the field, tray-seedling production is recommended, and trays of 288 cells being indicated.
Beta vulgaris L.; trays; sowing
