Biochemical and electrochemical evaluation of organic red beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. Vulgaris convar. Vulgaris var. Vulgaris) root crops

Abstract

Investigations of biochemical composition of red beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris convar. vulgaris var. vulgaris) cultivars were carried out at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2011–2012. There were evaluated four Lithuanian (‘Kamuoliai’, ‘Joniai’, ‘Rikiai’, ‘Ilgiai’) and six foreign (‘Tardel’, ‘Egyptic platround’, ‘Forono’, ‘Renova’, ‘Rocket’, ‘Cylindra’) cultivars. Red beets were grown according to organic growing conditions - plants were fertilized with Ekoplant (preplant) and two times sprayed with Kelkat and Fitomare Bio mix. Electrochemical and biochemical parameters of various red beet roots forms were evaluated. Red beet of Lithuanian selection cultivars accumulated higher amounts of soluble solids and total sugar compared with the foreign cultivars. Lowest nitrates content (2011y. – 480.5 mg kg-1 and 2012 y. – 521.0 mg kg-1) was observed in the cultivar ‘Tardel’ root-crop.