Abstract

This research was conducted with the Leila sugar beet variety between 2007 and 2009 at the Sugar Institute Etimesgut and Ilgın experimental stations, and the aim of this research was to determine the most suitable seed distance in rows for sugar beet cultivation. Both experimental stations were located in the Central Anatolia region. Six different sowing distances were specified as the following methods: 8 (T1), 10 (T2), 12 (T3), 17 (T4), 19 (T5) and 21 cm (T6). Thinning and singling were applied only in the T1, T2 and T3 distances. The average germination was 65%, and there were no differences observed among the methods. The highest beet yield was found in T1, with a value of 57.61 t ha^-1, and T1 had the highest sugar content, refined sugar content and refined sugar yield with values of 18.27, 15.81%, and 9.08 t ha^-1,respectively. The lowest values for beet yield, sugar content, refined sugar content and refined sugar yield were found in T6 with values of 47.08 t ha^-1, 17.83%, 15.19% and 7.35 t ha^-1, respectively. Determined differences among the methods were significant at a level of 1%. The highest farmer income was obtained in T1, T2 and T4. If the soil preparation and sowing are fulfilled in favorable conditions, the T1, T2 and T3 methods are applicable in Central Anatolia. T4 is also more beneficial method in areas where there is a problem to meet labor demands. The T5 and T6 methods should be used with caution in fields with insufficient climate and soil conditions because differences in yield and quality may exist.

Key words: Precision drilling, seed distance in row, mechanical precision drilling machine, sugar beet, yield and quality.