The effect of age and leaf number of transplant on yield and morphophysiological traits of fodder beet ‎

Considering the importance of fodder beet in supplying fodder and its high adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the age and number of leaves of fodder beet transplant in the Greenhouse and Research Farm, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University. The treatments included direct seed cultivation, 30-day transplant without leaf removal, 30-day transplant with half of the leaves removed, 30-day transplant with all leaves removed, 45-day transplant without leaf removal, 45-day transplant with half of the leaves removed, 45-day transplant with the removal of all leaves, 60-day transplant without removal of leaves, 60-day transplant with the removal of half of the leaves and 60-day transplant with the removal of all leaves. The experimental treatments were all planted on the same date in the field. The mean data comparision showed that the highest dry weight of leaves and aerial parts, fresh and dry weight of roots, and root yield were related to the treatment of two-month transplant with all three levels of no leaf removal, half leaf removal and whole leaf removal. The 45-day transplant with removing all leaves was superior to other treatments regarding SPAD and stomatal conductance. In total, a 60-day transplant is recommended to increase the root yield of fodder beet.