Introduction of ethylene into soil near growing sugar beets - to reduce sucrose loss during storage

摘要

Redn. of sucrose loss of sugar beets due to respiration and invert sugar formation comprises injecting ethlene gas into the soil between and near the middle of rows of growing sugar beets at spaced intervals at a depth of 6 to 8 inches beneath the soil when the beets have reached the fifth leaf stage. Pref. the ethylene is injected at about 6 foot intervals in amts. 1.4-2., lbs./acre 1 to 3 applications. The treated beets have about 20% less respiration during storage and have only about one third the amt. of invert sugar, compared with untreated beets.