SEED AND ROOT TRAITS OF SOME SUGAR BEET GENOTYPES UNDER EGYPTIAN CONDITIONS

Seed and root characteristics are crucial factors for selecting suitable sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) genotypes for future hybrid production. The Plant Breeding and Conservation Program at the Desert Research Center is responsible for evaluating the performance of chosen sugar beet genotypes under Egyptian conditions. The first seed production was for six sugar beet genotypes during 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 seasons at Bedouin local community gardens in Saint Catherine protected area, South Sinai. The second evaluation root traits were carried out for six genotypes and check variety of sugar beet during 2023/2024 season at El-Sharkia governorate. The experimental was carried out using randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results indicated that sugar beet genotypes mean squares were highly significant for all studied traits in both the two seasons of seed production and season of evaluation root. SKH44-11-6/1/3 (multigerm) genotype recorded highest value of seeds weight per plant (59.8 and 73.3 g) in the two seasons, respectively. SKG58-6/3/3 (monogerm), check variety (H.Poly 1) and SKT48-5/3/3 (multigerm) genotypes were the best in root traits. H.Poly 1 genotype gave the highest value of sucrose percentage (17.3%). SKG58-6/3/3 (monogerm) genotype recorded the highest purity (84.8%). This is a significant step towards developing sugar beet seeds under Egyptian conditions.