Sugar Beet

Sugar beet, alongside sugar cane, is the main source of sugar across the world. Grown widely in Europe, North and South America, Asia and parts of North Africa, the crop is at the core of a multi-billion dollar global industry. A. Philip Draycott has gathered 32 international experts to create this defining text, providing a comprehensive review of the latest research in a clear and accessible form, providing the reader with: Definitive account of this major world crop Coverage of all aspects of successful sugar beet growing Over 2,500 references from international literature Colour images to assist in the identification of sugar beet pests, diseases and nutrient deficiencies All those involved with the crop, including growers and processors, sugar beet and sugar organisations and society members will find this book to be an invaluable resource. Agricultural and plant scientists, food scientists and technologists and all libraries in research institutions where these subjects are studied and taught will find it a valuable addition to their shelves.

Contributors xv Foreword xvii Preface xix Acknowledgements xxi 1 Introduction 1 2 Development of Sugar Beet 9 3 Plant Structure and Crop Physiology 30 4 Genetics and Breeding 50 5 Seed Production and Quality 89 6 Soil Tillage and Crop Establishment 114 7 Agronomy 134 8 Nutrition – Nitrogen 169 9 Nutrition – Phosphorus, Sulphur, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium and Micronutrients – Liming and Nutrient Deficiencies 185 10 Water Use and Irrigation 221 11 Virus Diseases 256 12 Fungal and Bacterial Diseases 286 13 Pests 316 14 Weeds and Weed Control 359 15 Storage 387 16 Root Quality and Processing 409 17 Co-products 443 Index 465 The colour plate section falls after page 202