Does canopy angle influence radiation use efficiency of sugar beet?

Sugar beet varieties differ greatly in their canopy architecture and can be classified into types according to petiole angle. Leaf angle is one of the key factors which determines efficiency with plant canopies utilise incident absorbed light for photosynthesis. yield strongly correlated accumulated intercepted but impact on interception, biomass accumulation sugar has not been explored. This study aims analyse these relationships also determine if selected high radiation use (RUE) yields. Field trials were conducted four 2019 (one upright, prostrate two intermediate types) six 2021 (two each intermediate, prostrate) as well alternate sowing treatment (upright rows). Varietal differences stable across season consistent between closure final harvest 2021. The upright type had a lower maximum cover modelled from expansion curves both years. was slower achieve LAI at There linear relationship total all types. highest RUE when harvested later 2021, possibly due being better suited intercept sunlight during winter months sun sky. root shoot ratio greater yielding variety suggesting that, addition RUE, partitioning an important determinant yield. results this will aid selection improve Whilst contributing factor beet, other factors, such leaf level photosynthesis are important.