28R EXPERIMENT STATION RECOHD. 



ilishuKH^srepreHeiif I'niiu (J tori] plantn per t^tiuare, meter, or 60,000 to 65,000 plants per 

 liectare. 



The results of 1901 indicate that the varieties producing a long-shaped beet may be 

 grown in rows 50 cm. apart and the plants narrowed down to 25 cm. in the row, while 

 tlie ovoid-shaped varieties may be planted in rows at closer intervals, but giving the 

 plunts more space in the row. Close planting, owing to the increase in the number 

 of beets, was found to increase the cost of production, but inmost cases this was more 

 than (•(imiiensated for by tlie increase in yield. 



Observations on beet culture, Berth ault and Bretignierk {Ann. Agron., 28 

 {190^), No. £, pp. 65-103, figs. 10). — The work here rejiorted consisted of a study of 

 beet-seed producti(jn and variety tests of beets grown for the manufacture of sugar 

 and alcohol and for feeding purposes. The tabulated results of the variety tests 

 show the yield of beets and sugar per hectare, together with the financial returns 

 for each variety. In studying the seed production of beets in 1899, 1900, and 1901, 

 the methods of growing the mother beets from seed and from cuttings, grafts, or by 

 division were compared. A beet allowed to .seed in the ordinary way in 1899 yielded 

 93 gm. of seed, while from .SO cuttings and two sections made from another beet 222 

 gm. of seed were obtained. Although 80 cuttings were made, only 7 grew, and of 

 these 4 produced seed. The 4 seed-producing beets contained an average of 13.73 

 per cent of sugar and the other 8, which diil not throw up seed stalks, contained an 

 average of 15.52 per cent. The original beet from which the cuttings and sections 

 were made had a sugar content of 15.12 percent. The following year the three 

 remaining beets were permitted to seed, producing 100.4 gm., and the beets obtained 

 from the two sections of the original were each cut into three pieces and planted for 

 seed, yielding for the 6 plants 23 gm. This made a total of 345.4 gm. of seed from 

 one ))eet in 2 years. 



The seed obtained in 1899 was sown in 1900, ])nt the results were qixite irregular. 

 This season tests were carried on with three beets, the first being grown for seed in 

 the ordinary way, the second was used to furnish cuttings, grafts, and sections foi' 

 growing seed beets, and the third was cut into four sections for the same purpose. 

 The beet grown in the ordinary way produced 69.7 gm. of seed. Of 24 cuttings of 

 the second beet, 22 beets were obtained perfectly homogeneous in foliage and form, 

 but only one produced seed, which, however, was of no value. The cutting which 

 produced seed contained the central bud. In grafting, a cylinder 7 mm. in diameter 

 and about 8 cm. long, with a growing bud at the top, was taken from the upper part 

 of the beet and inserted on the upper surface of the beet used as a stock after the 

 crown had been removed. This procedure is descriV)ed in detail, and the value of 

 top and side insertion of the scion on the stock beet discussed. The grafts grew 

 with varying success, but no seed is reported to have l)een obtained. After the cut- 

 tings and grafts had been secured from the second beet, it was divided into four sec- 

 tions, which were planted, but did not yield seed. The third beet was divided into 

 four sections, which were jjlanted separately. Three plants were obtained, and 

 these yielded 77.5 gm. of seed. 



In 1901 the seed obtained by the different methods of propagation was tested and 

 the results obtained are reported. A second seed production by a l)eet which had 

 furnished cuttings the previous year did not seem profitable. The seed obtained 

 from the main seed stalk was found much superior to seed produced on the branches. 

 Grafting is not considered a satisfactory method of propagation for seed beets. In 

 the case of cuttings it is necessary to determine the conditions which assure their 

 seed production. 



The influence of distance between plants in the row on the yield of forage 

 beets {Deal. Landw. Presse, 29 {1902), No. 11, p. 83). — Forage beets were grown from 

 8 to 9 in. apart in 14-in. drills, and from 10 to 12 in. apart in 16-in. drills. The 

 results were in favor of the closer planting. 



