Comparison of Yield and Quality of Red Beet Roots Cultivated Using Conventional, Integrated and Organic Method

Abstract

Abstract The experiment on different means of cultivation of red beet cv. ‘Regulski Cylinder’ was conducted in the years 2006-2009, using conventional, integrated, and organic methods. The greatest impact on total and commercial yield, the average root weight, dry weight and chemical constituents’ content in the roots had the season. In the years 2006 and 2008, the highest total and marketable yields of beet roots were obtained by organic method, but in 2009 these parameters were the lowest in organically produced plants. Total yield was correlated with mean root weight. In the years 2006 and 2008, betanine content was the lowest in organically produced roots while in the year 2009 it was the highest. The low yield of marketable roots and the low nitrates’ content were the only two parameters, which distinguished organically produced red beet roots throughout the years of experiment.