ABSTRACT
Significant yield increases in sugar beet are, in part, the result of improved seed technology and germination (Bee and Jaggard, 1996). Among the factors influencing seed quality are: i) genetic characteristics; ii) cultural practices used in producing the seed crop; iii) diseases affecting seed bearing plants; iv) climate during flowering, pollination and ripening of the seed (Scott and Longden, 1970); v) drying, processing, and packaging techniques; and vi) storage conditions and age of the seed. Geographical areas that consistently produce high yields of quality seed have been identified. The most noteworthy of these are Emilia-Romagna in Italy, southwest France, and Oregon in the USA. Seed production is concentrated in these regions to meet the quality demands of growers.
