Qualitative indicators of table beet roots with the complex use of biological products

Abstract

The study aims to solve a pressing problem – ensuring balanced management of vegetable products after harvesting, taking into account the current resource potential of Ukraine and the long-term prospects of post-war recovery. At the same time, the effectiveness of management will directly depend on the pace of recovery and development of production. The study is devoted to studying the influence of biological preparations Azotohelp and Mikohelp on the formation of quality indicators of table beet roots of different varieties (Bicores, Detroit, Opolsky). It was found that the use of these preparations has a positive effect on the content of dry matter, fiber, sugar, mineral elements and organic acids, which determines the nutritional value, taste properties and technological qualities of the product. Fiber in root crops varied from 5.57 to 6.52 %, with the highest values observed in the Bicores variety with the use of both biological preparations, exceeding the control by 0.65–0.67 %. The Opolsky and Detroit varieties also showed an increase in fiber, although it was less pronounced, which indicates varietal differences in the response to biological growth stimulation. The sugar content in root crops depended to a large extent on the variety and the applied preparation. The highest indicators were recorded in the Detroit variety – 9.58 % (Azotohelp) and 9.67 % (Mikohelp), which exceeded the control by 0.36–0.45 %. The Opolsky variety also responded positively to biological preparations, but less pronouncedly, while the effect was weaker in the Bicores variety. The ash content in root crops was distributed unevenly: most ash accumulated in the upper part of the root crop. Its highest content was noted in the Bicores variety when using Mikohelp (11.22 %), which exceeded the control variant and indicated the activation of mineral nutrition. The Detroit variety showed a similar trend, while the ash index of the Opolsky variety remained practically at the control level. The use of biological products also contributed to an increase in the nitrogen and phosphorus content in the root crops of the Bicores and Detroit varieties, and Mikohelp was more effective in stimulating the accumulation of these elements: nitrogen reached 1.73–1.83 %, and phosphorus – 2.50–2.55 %, which exceeded the control indicators. In the Opolsky variety, the increase in nitrogen and phosphorus was insignificant or absent. The results obtained indicate that the complex use of biological products Azotohelp and Mikohelp increases the biochemical value of root crops, improves their nutritional and taste properties, technological indicators, and also contributes to a more efficient use of soil nutrients. This confirms the feasibility of using biological stimulants to improve the quality and competitiveness of table beet products.