Exploring Dual-Purpose Benefits of Leaf Pruning in Sugar Beet for Crop Yield and Animal Feed

Abstract

In plants, leaves are the primary source of sunlight, and the production of photosynthetic materials. Estimating the rate of yield reduction due to leaf loss plays an important role in farm management. This research aimed to achieve the highest possible crop yield and quality while also utilizing pruned leaves for animal feed. To investigate the optimal timing for leaf pruning at different weeks of vegetative growth on the morphological, and physiological characteristics of sugar beet over the years 2022, and 2023 growing seasons in Eskişehir, Türkiye. This study included treatment of ten pruning times (PT): July 20, and 27; August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31; September 7, and 14; and October 25 (control treatment and no pruning). The results showed the pruning treatments had a significant effect on morphological, and physiological characteristics in both years. The highest root yields were observed at the later pruning times, particularly at PT10 in both the years, with yields of 104.31 tons ha⁻¹ in 2022 and 136.74 tons ha⁻¹ in 2023. Other notable pruning times included PT6 and PT5, which also showed substantial root yields. Sugar content was higher during the earlier pruning times. The peak sugar contents were found at PT1 in both years, with 17.17% in 2022 and 13.79% in 2023. For leaves, the dry matter content was highest at late pruning times (PT8–PT10). PT10 showed the highest dry matter contents. Crude protein and crude ash contents remained relatively constant at different pruning times, but considerable values were observed from PT1 to PT8, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the leaves. The highest NDF and DMD contents were noted at late pruning times (PT7–PT10) in both years. Combining these findings, it was concluded that PT6 to PT8 were the most favorable pruning times, balancing high root yield, medium to high sugar content, and high nutritional values of leaves.