The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritive quality of 21 red beet genotypes, including mono- and multigerm breeding lines and cultivars. The content of dry matter, total sugar, nitrates, betanin and vulgaxanthin in the roots was tested in beets harvested in 2011-2012. Special attention was given to new monogerm breeding lines AR79 A and AR79 B. The field experiment conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out according to standard crop management practices recommended for red beet cultivation under Polish conditions. After 4 months of storage, representative samples of 10 roots from each of 3 replications were crushed and used to determine the chemical composition of the lines and cultivars studied. Analysis of variance showed a significant influence of both the year and genotype on the nutritive value of red beet roots. In 2011, the content of dry matter, nitrates and vulgaxanthin was visibly higher than in 2012, while the levels of total sugar, betanin and the ratio of betanin to vulgaxanthin were lower in 2011. The lines and cultivars varied in the levels of all the measured chemical components. Comparing to the other genotypes, lines AR79 A and AR79 B produced moderate but satisfactory amounts of dry matter, total sugar and vulgaxanthin, while having a high level of betanin and a good betanin to vulgaxanthin ratio. Statistical differences between lines AR79 A and AR79 B in the level of betanin and the betanin to vulgaxanthin ratio were observed only in 2011. Summarizing, the new breeding lines denoted as AR79 A and AR79 B present a desirable content of the tested nutrients, and can therefore be useful in red beet breeding programs.  

23.3.2018