Beet sugar variety Equinox is a warm-loving and heat-tolerant biennial root crop of the family Beta, widely used for sugar and fodder purposes. The plant forms a root with firm white flesh and basal leaves forming a rosette. Modern varieties, including Equinox, contain 18–20% sugar, ensuring high efficiency in food industry applications. Grown in open ground, the optimal temperature for seed germination is +10-12°C, and for growth and development — +20-22°C. Winter sowing contributes to increased yield and product quality. Equinox requires high moisture, especially during the intensive root growth period in July-August. Due to its well-developed root system capable of absorbing water from depths of about 2.5 meters, the crop is drought-resistant. However, water deficiency may increase nitrogen content in roots, negatively affecting sugar quality. Sugar beet can withstand frosts down to -5°C in late autumn, but further temperature drops may halt sugar accumulation. To protect Equinox crops from annual dicots and certain grass weeds, it is recommended to use a selective herbicide based on active ingredients ethfumate, fenmedifam, and desmedifam. This systemic agent effectively suppresses weed growth, ensuring clean crops and improved conditions for sugar beet development. The herbicide application rate is 10 ml per 3-5 liters of water per 100 m², providing optimal protection without harming the crop.
