Warm and humid weather promotes intensive sugar beet growth. Plants actively carry out photosynthesis, while the assimilates produced are transported to and stored in the roots. When soil moisture increases rapidly after a dry period, root growth may become uneven, placing greater mechanical stress on the tissues. This may contribute to the formation of external cracks or internal fissures.

However, cavities, discoloured areas or dead tissue inside sugar beet roots should not be attributed solely to weather conditions. Such symptoms may also be associated with boron deficiency, other physiological disorders or diseases. In sugar beet, boron deficiency may damage the growing point and cause internal tissue necrosis, core discoloration and rot. It is therefore important to assess not only weather conditions but also the overall condition of the crop.

Why Is Balanced Plant Nutrition Important?

No fertilisation programme can guarantee that root cracks or cavities will be completely prevented. However, balanced plant nutrition can support normal tissue development, water regulation and plant tolerance to adverse growing conditions.

Boron

Boron is one of the most important micronutrients for sugar beet. It is essential for cell wall formation, the structural integrity of actively growing tissues and the normal development of the plant’s growing point.

When boron is deficient, young and actively growing tissues are affected first. The growing point may begin to die, while discoloured, necrotic or otherwise damaged tissue may develop inside the root.

Boron-containing fertilisers must be applied strictly according to the recommended rates, as excessive amounts of boron may also be harmful to plants. The need for boron fertilisation should be assessed based on soil properties, crop condition, plant tissue analysis and previously applied fertilisers.

Potassium

Potassium is involved in the regulation of osmotic pressure, stomatal function and water balance within the plant. It is also important for the transport and accumulation of photosynthetic products in the root.

Adequate potassium nutrition helps maintain a balanced plant water status and may support the crop’s ability to adapt to changing soil moisture conditions. However, potassium application alone cannot ensure that root cracking will not occur.

Silicon

Silicon may contribute to the mechanical strength of plant tissues and help plants tolerate abiotic stress more effectively. Sugar beet can accumulate significant amounts of silicon, and research continues to assess its role in plant nutrition, growth and tolerance to adverse environmental conditions.

However, silicon should not be presented as providing direct protection against root cracking or cavity formation. It should instead be considered one component of a comprehensive plant nutrition and stress-management strategy.

A Comprehensive Approach Is Essential

To reduce the risk of root damage, it is important to consider not only the supply of boron, potassium and silicon, but also:

• fluctuations in soil moisture;
• soil structure and conditions for root development;
• the availability of other essential nutrients;
• the intensity of plant growth;
• varietal characteristics;
• possible symptoms of disease or other damage.

Depending on crop condition and nutritional requirements, the following products may be considered:

VIVAGEL K+AA
VIVAGEL KS
EFFECT B+Mo
EFFECT KSi

Application rates, timing and compatibility with other products should be determined according to the product labels, crop condition and agronomic recommendations.