Storing sugarbeets, in piles, under ambient con-
ditions, in production areas with mild climates,
allows for longer and more productive factory
campaigns. In southern Idaho, approximately
one-third of the roots are directly processed,
one-third are held in short-term storage, and
one-third are held in long-term storage (greater
than 90 days). Some beets in long-term storage
will be held up to 150 days, leaving roots sus-
ceptible to a number of negative influences.
Extreme temperature fluctuations, excessive
moisture, restricted air flow (snow, soil, weeds,
and rotted roots), microbial development, res-
piration rate, and buildup of impurities can all
negatively impact sucrose recovery. In addition
to disease and water-related problems in the
field, wounding during harvest and transport
will also negatively influence beet storability;
therefore, saving sucrose in storage begins
with cultivar selection for disease resistance
and storability along with good field and
harvest management
