Water exchange index alterations in sugar beet under extra root top dressing

The objective of the work is to determine the change in indicators of sugar beet water exchange under the influence of extra root top dressing using growth-regulating chemical Melafen and non-recyclable microelements. Materials and Methods. The authors studied the influence of extra root top dressing by growth-regulating chemicals and non-recyclable microelements on water deficiency and water-storage capacity of sugar beet. Water deficiency and deficiency in relative tissue water content can be the indices of plant water stress regime. In both cases the authors compared water-ratio in normal plant tissue and in plants under tugor pressure. During 2015-growing period three points (July 3, July 25, August 20) for plant sampling and laboratory analyses were chosen. Results. Water deficiency rates decreased while using growth-regulating chemicals and microelements. Therefore, plant tissue relative turgidity increased. Plant water loss in control group is the highest at all three points. In other words, while using extra root top dressing the water-retaining capability increases: July 8 - by 32 %, July 25 - by 28 %, August 20 - by 8 %. Thus, if top dressing is used it is possible to predict plant drought resistance. Conclusion. The water regime parameters improved when using extra root top dressing. Water-storage capacity of plants grown in greenhouse trial increased drought resistance, survivability and plant performance. Thus, it is possible to increase the bionomic flexibility of sugar beets to unfavorable environmental factors, such as high atmospheric temperatures and insufficient soil moisture.