The Comparison of Yield and Yield Components in Some Fodder Beet (Beta vulgaris L. ssp crassa Mansf.) Varieties under Ankara Conditions

This study was performed in fodder beet varieties (Rota, Eckdorot, Eckdogella, Line1 and Line2) to determine the highest yielding variety using the characteristics; plant length, root length, root diameter, leaf weight, leaf yield, root weight, root dry matter content and root dry matter related with yield. The research was carried out at the experimental field of Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture and Ankara University in 2003-2004 and the experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Sowing dates were April 1 and 2 in 2003 and 2004, respectively. The plants were harvested on October 2 and 7 in two consequent years. Two year mean values were 40.80 cm In plant length, 19.94 cm root length, 10.74 cm root diameter, 0.185 kg plant(-1) leaf weight, 1937.99 kg da(-1) leaf yield, 1.015 kg plant(-1) root weight, 16.10 root dry matter content (%) and 817.68 kg da(-1) root dry matter yield. No statistically important differences were found in these characteristics, except for root yield. The highest root yield was obtained from Eckdorot variety. All the varieties can be cultivated in Ankara and under the same ecological conditions due to the fact that the varieties showed no differences in terms of root matter yield.