Season / Agro-Climate 

·        Seeds can be sown in almost all seasons like Rabi, Kharif & Summer. However, it prefers cool climate.

·        Ideal temperature for better germination is 18 to 25 °C.

Soil & Land      

·        Best preferred soil is deep & well drained soil.

·        Loamy to sandy loam soil is best preferred.

·        Ideal soil pH is 5.8 - 7.5.

·        Land should be level & free from gravels, clods and perennial weeds.

Land preparation

·        Field should be well prepared, free from weeds and well drainage facility.

·        The top 30cm soil should have fine tilth & free from clods and crop stubble.

·        Before final harrow, apply 8 to 10 MT of well decomposed FYM/acre along with 1-1.5kg of Trichoderma culture for controlling soil born fungus.

Seed rate & Planting method      

·        Seed dibbling method : 2kg

·        Broad casting method: 2.5-3kg

However it depends on farmer practice & size of the seeds.

Spacing 

·        Row -row: 25-30cm & Plant to plant: 12-15cm,

·        Sowing depth - 2-2.5cm (1 inch)

Sowing depth of about 1 inch, and spacing of 30-40cm between rows and 20 cm between plants

Seed Treatment before sowing  

·        Soak Beet seeds in water for 12-14 hours before planting to speed up germination.

·        Later shade dry the seeds and treat with fungicides Thiram or Captan at 2g/Kg of seeds and then sowing is recommended.

Harvest 

Physiologically matured roots can be ready for harvest in around 55-65 days after sowing. However due to season, weather conditions and spacing, nutritional management, the maturity period may vary.

Expected Yield

An Yield of  10-12 tons/ac can be expected from a well managed crop, under ideal conditions.

Irrigation         

·        Irrigation depends on season, soil types & method & type of irrigation.

·        The soil should never be allowed to become dry and it should be kept moist to a depth of 20 to 30 cm. The plants should receive light water applications daily until the young seedlings come up.

Weed Management      

·        Avoid lands with high infestation of perennial weeds.

·        Weeds must be controlled before they can compete with beet seedlings and interfere with their growth.

·        All weeds between the rows must be removed by hand to avoid damaging the roots.

·        Chemical weed control can also be followed  following the guidelines specified by the herbicide manufacturer.

Nutritional Management 

General crop requirement of Total N:P:K = @ 80:100:120 kg per acre. However it depends on soil analysis report.

Dose & Timing

·        Basal Dose: Apply 50% N & K and 100% P, as basal dose. 

·        Top Dressing: 25% N & K at 25-30 days after sowing and remaining 25% N & K at 45-50 days after sowing.

·        Micronutrients: Beet requires Bo, Mn & Fe. It can be on foliar sprays. 

Pest & Disease Management      

·        Nematodes:

Furadon 3% G - 6-8kg/acre

Neem cake: 200kg/acre

·        Damping-off:

Captan 75% WS @ 1.5 to 2 gm per litre

·        Aphids:

Imidacloprid 17.8%SL 0.5-0.8ml/L

Diafenthiuron 50% WP - 1.0g/L

Thiamethoxam 25% WG - 1.0g/L

- 2g/l Drenching

·        Root & Crown Rot:

Carbendazim 50% WP - 2g/L Drenching

Copper Hydroxide 77% WP - 2g/l Drenching

·        Leaf Spot & Blight:

Difenoconazole 25% EC - 1.0ml/L

Mancozeb 75% WP 2.5g/L

·        Powdery Mildew:

Triadimefon 25% WP - 0.3g/L

Penconazole 10% EC - 0.5ml/L

·        Leaf Eating Caterpillar:

Indoxacarb 14.5% SC 1.5ml/L

Profenophos 40%+Cypermethrin 4% EC - 1.0ml/L

Storage of roots 

Harvested roots can be stored in a cool & dark place with high humidity & low temperature , ideally between 2 to 5 °C (35.6 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit) to enhance the shelf life.

Do’ s  

·        Proper sunlight and adequate irrigation, balanced fertilization, good pest & disease management and harvest at right stage of the crop.

·        Since Beetroot seeds are multi-germ in nature, thinning of thick plant population & maintain right spacing.

·        Fine top  soil or good tilth of soil enables good germination.

Don’t s  

·        Sowing in low lying and gravelly soil.

·        Over irrigation,

·        Cultivation in shade,

·        Over or crowded population.

·        Storage of roots in direct sunlight after harvest.

Special Note Information

·        The above information is a general advice. For specific recommendations related to particular region, please contact your local State Agriculture Department or company representative.

·        According to Climate & weather conditions, crop growth & maturity may be different.

·        Harvest & Yield given above is a general information. It varies with the season,  crop management, cultivation practices & harvest stage.

·        Retain the purchase bills of inputs like seeds, fertilizers & pesticides.