The quality of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. ~ roots stored in open piles deteriorates due to a buildup of impurities t6). Sucrose is lost because of respiration and inversion to glucose and fructose. Invert sugar (glucose and fructose) constitutes a major portion of
the increase of impurities during storage. Storage temperatures affect invert sugar buildup (4). Other variables affecting sucrose loss and invert sugar accumulation are variety, date of harvest and various chemicals. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of chemicals, supplemental irrigation, nitrogen, and cultivars on invert sugar accumulation and apparent sucrose loss in sugar beet roots stored for 150 days at 5 C. The data indicate the importance of controlling several agronomic practices that affect quality of sugar beet roots during storage. Sucros levels were higher in those sugar beets roots which were treated with three herbicides and a growth regulator when averaged over all sampling dates during storage of the roots
