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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Evaluation of sugar beet growth indices affected by biological fertilizer and nitrogen under delayed planting conditions

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.10815
Submitted
22 July 2025
Published
06-03-2026

Abstract

Under delayed planting conditions in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), integrating nitrogen fertiliser with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can enhance plant development and partially compensate for the reduced growing season. To evaluate this interaction, a split-split plot experiment was conducted with three replications and eight treatments. The main factor was planting date with two levels: normal planting (D₁) and delayed planting (D₂). Sub-plots consisted of nitrogen fertiliser at two levels: the recommended rate (N₁; 300 kg urea ha-1, based on local fertiliser guidelines) and 25 % less than the recommended rate (N₂). Sub-sub-plots included bacterial inoculation treatments: with PGPR inoculation (B₂) and without inoculation (B₁). Growth indices, including leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR), were measured. The highest LAI (3.5), total dry matter accumulation [2898 g m-2 in growing degree days (GDD)] and maximum CGR, RGR and NAR were recorded in both planting dates under the combined treatment of recommended nitrogen fertiliser (N₁) and PGPR inoculation (B₂). Conversely, the lowest values for all growth parameters were obtained in treatments with reduced nitrogen (N₂) and no bacterial inoculation (B₁), regardless of planting date. Statistical analysis indicated that differences among treatments were significant (p < 0.05). All measured growth indicators were significantly improved compared to the reduced nitrogen without inoculation treatment, with increases ranging from 21–43 % depending on the parameter. These findings demonstrate that integrating chemical and biological fertilisers is an effective strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of delayed sowing and improve sugar beet growth performance.

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