Sugar beets of the S 961 F variety are biennial plants that during the first growing year form an elongated root with dense white pulp and basal leaves forming a rosette. This root is the main source of sugar, with content in modern varieties reaching 18-20%. Besides sugar, valuable by-products are obtained from sugar beets: pulp, molasses, and defecated. Molasses is used in the production of alcohol, glycerin, citric acid, yeast, and organic acids; pulp serves as nutritious feed for agricultural animals, and defecated is used as an effective fertilizer for plants. Moreover, ethanol is produced from sugar beets, which can serve as alternative fuel, replacing gasoline and diesel fuel.
Sugar beets are a heat-loving and heat-resistant crop. The optimal temperature for their growth and development is 20-22°C, however photosynthesis proceeds successfully even at temperatures above 40°C. Seeds can germinate at a temperature of +5°C, but the most favorable conditions are considered to be in the range of 13-15°C. Light regime significantly affects the sweetness and yield of plants, so lack of light negatively affects the quality and quantity of the crop.
The plant is very demanding on moisture, especially during the intensive growth of roots in July-August. Thanks to a well-developed root system capable of absorbing water to a depth of about 2.5 meters, sugar beets are able to partially withstand drought. However, a lack of moisture leads to an increase in nitrogen content in roots, which may affect the quality of the product. Thus, for successful cultivation of the S 961 F variety, optimal temperature conditions, sufficient lighting, and regular irrigation during critical development periods must be ensured.
