Effect of dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunc.) on yield and quality in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivation

Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) is a complete holo parasite plant and survives on its host. In this study, the effects of dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunc.) were investigated on yield and quality of sugar beet. This research was carried out Goksun and Afsin districts in 2015 in Kahramanmaras province, where the sugar beet was the most produced. Two growing media (infected with dodder and uninfected=control) and two sugar beet cultivars (Valentina and 551) were used in the experiment area. As a result of the research, it was determined that the effect of dodder on sugar beets’ yield and quality was significant except sodium content. It was detected that yield and quality values of sugar beet at the infected parcel with dodder were reduced significantly according to the uninfected parcel. In the parcels infected with dodder and uninfected, respectively, it was found the root yield was as 57.4 and 83.1 t/ha, the leaf yield was as 18.4 and 32.9 t/ha, the sugar content was as %16.4 and %18.2, purified sugar content was as %14.05 and %14.93, purified sugar yield was as 8.2 and 12.4 t/ha. It was found 0.60-0.87 of amino nitrogen, 0.51-0.54 of sodium and 5.4-7.9 mmol/100 g of potassium from substances disrupting sugar beet purity. At the same time, it was determined that sugar beet roots showed more bifurcation in parcels infected with dodder. Among the varieties, it was detected significant differences except sugar presence, both root and leaf yield of Valentina cultivar were more superior than 551 cultivar