It often takes a while before lifted beets can be taken to the sugar plant. It is vital that the quality of the beets in the beet pile is maintained before they are taken for processing.
Which factors influence the storage of sugar beets?
External factors such as temperature and humidity play an important role in the sugar beet storage process, especially in a cold and wet winter. The quality of harvesting and the construction of a neat beet pile are also crucial. Tare, damage (root tip break) and defoliation must therefore always be closely monitored. All these factors, together with the storage duration, strongly influence the storability of sugar beet.
Ten things to consider when storing sugar beet:
- Frost
- Temperature during storage
- Health of the beet during storage
- Temperature during harvest
- Damage during harvest (root tip break)
- Soil conditions where the beets are stored
- Tare
- Defoliation
- Precipitation during storage
- Variety type
Why choose a sugar beet variety with better storability?
While genetics are not the sole determining factor, they do play a role in enhancing beet storability. For example, a rhizoctonia-resistant variety will typically have fewer rotten beets in storage compared to other varieties. Additionally, genetic differences are linked to variations in root tip breakage and other types of harvest-related damage. As a result, some genetic varieties exhibit better storability, because there are fewer access pathways for pathogens.
In principle, it's not so much about benefits, but rather about preventable losses. Assuming that all other conditions are identical (quality of harvesting, climate, etc.), a variety with better storability can limit storage losses.
Comparison of roots after storage
At SESVanderHave we use a penetrometer to examine the mechanical strength of sugar beet roots. In the roots, sugar-rich tissues, protected by denser fibres, help limit deterioration during storage. We have identified a strong correlation between the penetrometry data and the behaviour of beets in storage (in terms of sugar loss and tolerance to physical and biological stress). This method allows us to select varieties that are well-suited for longer storage periods.
