IMPACT OF SOWING DATES AND IRRIGATION LEVELS ON BEETROOT (BETA VULGARIS L.): INSIGHTS INTO GROWTH DYNAMICS, YIELD ATTRIBUTES AND QUALITY PARAMETER

This research investigates the impact of sowing dates and irrigation levels on the cultivation of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), focusing on growth dynamics, yield attributes and quality parameters conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 at Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, India, The study employed a Factorial Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments comprising three sowing dates (1 st October, 16 th October, 1 st November) and four irrigation levels (I 1 : 1.00 IW:CPE ratio, I 2 : 0.85 IW:CPE ratio, I 3 : 0.70 IW:CPE ratio and I 4 : As per recommended irrigation).Various growth parameters viz., plant height, dry weight of plants and roots, leaf area index, root diameter and yield attributes viz., root length, fresh weight and dry weight were assessed.Statistical analysis revealed significant effects of both factors on beetroot growth and yield.The findings provide insights into optimizing cultivation practices for enhanced beetroot production under varying environmental conditions.Later sowing date (S 3 ) and recommended irrigation levels (I 4 ) generally improved beetroot growth, yield and quality.S 3 led to taller plants, increased dry weight, larger leaf area index and thicker roots.I 4 supported overall growth and yield by ensuring optimal moisture, with minimal interaction between sowing dates and irrigation levels noted.