PACKAGE OF PRACTICE Beetroot
PACKAGE OF PRACTICE Beetroot
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.