The succeeding study aimed to evaluate the influence of vanadium salt-based treatments on sugar accumulation, technological quality, and storability of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) roots under the conditions of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Field and storage experiments proceeded during 2022–2024, and the study included four different treatments of vanadium, i.e., control (no vanadium), low-dose foliar vanadium (0.25 L ha⁻¹, 50 g V L⁻¹), medium dose (0.5 L ha⁻¹), and high dose (1.0 L ha⁻¹). The vanadium application took place at the 6–8 leaf stage, and repeated treatment ensued before canopy closure. Roots harvested at full maturity sustained storage in field clamps for 120 days. The results showed sucrose concentration at harvest increased by 0.8%–1.5% in low and medium doses compared with the control (17.2% vs. 16.4%), while the higher vanadium dose caused a slight depression (16.0%). Storability showed a significant improvement, with losses of root mass and sucrose during 120 days of storage reduced from 14.5% (control) to 11.0% (medium dose). The excessive dose of vanadium caused a reduction in technological quality and increased root respiration rate. The results suggested that vanadium at optimal rates can enhance the sucrose yield and storability of sugar beet, although overdosing is detrimental.
Sugar beet (B. vulgaris L.), vanadium salt, root mass, sucrose content, storability, Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
The vanadium salt-based low dose (0.25 L ha⁻¹) significantly increased sugar beet (B. vulgaris L.) root yield and sucrose content compared with the control. Vanadium also improved storability and reduced sugar losses during postharvest storage.