علی حاتمی

This research conducted to investigate the effect of transplanting on water use efficiency of autumn-sowing sugar beet in Mehran, Ilam province. The experiment carried out as factorial split-split plot based on randomized complete block design with four replication in two culture season 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. Sowing date (late September, early October, early November and late November) and cultivar (Sharif and Spartak) laid out in main plots, planting method (Seed planting & transplanting) in sub-plots and harvest time (late April, mid-May and early June) as sub-sub-plots (split at time). The results of ANOVA based on expected mean of squares showed that effect of year was significant on sugar content, raw sugar yield and white sugar yieldBut it has no effect on the calculated water use efficiency based on net sugar yield. Effect of planting time was significant on root yield and also total sugar and white sugar yield. There were significant differences among harvesting dates for root and sugar yield. Water use efficiency based on white sugar yield in transplanting method was 1.60 kg/m3 irrigated water which was 50 percent more than seed planting method.Root yield in transplanting method was 101 ton/hectare (54 percent increase compared to seed planting method). The highest white sugar with 14.08 ton/hectare was observed in transplanting, late September sowing and at early June harvest (28 percent increase over Seed planting). Considering the non-economic performance of seed planting method in autumn sugar beet cultivation in the province, water resources depletion, damage to migratory birds and limitations of growing season, it seems that planting sugar beet transplant can be a good way to increase sugar production and water use efficiency which can be considered as a safe way to replace seed planting by completing mechanization facilities.With the completion of mechanization facilities, it can be considered as a safe way to replace seed planting. According to the results of the research, Mehran can also be considered as a potential area for sugar beet autumn cultivation.