THE USE OF HYDROCHLORIC-ACID TO IMPROVE THE GERMINATION OF SUGAR-BEET SEED

This study confirmed that steeping sugar-beet seed in 0.3 M hydrochloric acid for 2 h as the first part of a 12 h treatment, substantially improved performance under cold, wet conditions. Smaller benefits were also found in warmer, drier tests; no detrimental effects were found. Adding excess sodium hydroxide at the end of the acid steep further improved the growth of the inherently slower part of the population under cold, wet conditions. Steeping seed in acid or acid followed by alkali also controlled Phoma betae as effectively as the current commercial thiram steep treatment.