Effect of Decortication and Fungicide on Performance of Table Beet Seed1

abstract Decortication of table beet seedballs had no adverse effects on seed germination, seedling growth, and performance of Arasan and Dexon seed treatments. Under dry soil conditions Arasan and Dexon delayed seedling emergence. Dexon also reduced stands. Under moist soil conditions, Arasan and Dexon produced significantly more seedlings than did untreated seedballs. Most of the interactions between degree of decortication, seedball size, and fungicide treatment were not statistically significant. However, variable soil moisture conditions contributed to significant interactions between planting dates and fungicide or seedball size in field tests. Seedling emergence in growth chamber tests in pasteurized sand gave the most accurate prediction of seedling emergence under field conditions.