[Evaluation of five fodder beet varieties (Beta vulgaris L. var Crapa) in Valdivia province]

The trial was carried out at Vista Alegre Experimental farm, Universidad Austral de Chile, in order to determine the growth curve, yield, harvesting time, and nutrient analysis in both roots and leaves of five varieties of fodder-beet. In this study a randomized complete-block design was used and included 25 treatments, with three replications, in a 5 x 5 factorial arrangement which corresponded to five harvesting times, i.e. April, May, June, July and August, and to the following varieties: Abondo, Blanca, Jumbo, Monotoro and Polyfourra. As to determine the curve of dry matter accumulation for each variety, measurements were performed every 30 days from sowing to harvest. Nutrient analysis was carried out with both roots and leaves harvested in June. The growth curve for each variety was assessed considering the growth of leaves, roots and total growth. A regression was performed to obtain an adjusted curve for the total growth by variety. Fresh matter yield, dry matter percent and dry matter yield were evaluated according to variety and harvesting time. The nutrient analysis was carried out in relation to dry matter percent, metabolizable energy and crude protein content. From the results obtained it is concluded that maximum dry matter accumulation occurs in May for the Blanca variety and in July for the remaining ones. No interaction was found between variety and harvesting time. The best yield was obtained with the varieties Monotoro (19,89 ton/ha) and Jumbo (16,42 ton/ha) and the period ranging from May-July resulted to be the best harvesting time. All varieties showed a high energy content (3 Mcal/kg DM) and low crude protein content (10,33% on average) in roots. Leaves had a lower energy content (2,15 Mcal/kg DM) and high level of crude protein ( 20%)