Effect of Seeding Depth, Herbicide, and Variety on Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) Emergence, Vigor, and Yield

Preplant applied herbicides were compared for their effect on three varieties of sugarbeets when seeds were planted at six depths during 1987 through 1989. More sugarbeet seedlings emerged and at a faster rate as the depth of seeding decreased from 4.5 to 1.6 cm. Herbicide injury to sugarbeet seedlings increased as depth of seeding increased from less than to greater than 2.5 cm. Herbicide treatments reduced sugarbeet stand and decreased early season sugarbeet height but had little effect on root yield or sucrose content. Nomenclature: Sugarbeet, Beta vulgaris L. Additional index words: Cycloate, diethatyl, ethofumesate.