Nutrient Value, Productivity, and Quality Parameters of Organically Grown Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. conditiva Alef.)

Investigations were conducted in the crop rotation experimental field at the Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry from 2021 to 2023. Our research aims to evaluate the biological properties and productivity parameters of different red beet cultivars, grown organically. The Lithuanian cultivar ‘Joniai’ and four foreign cultivars ‘Kestrel’ H, ‘Bona’, ‘Wodan’ H, and ‘Action’ H were tested. Genetically different cultivars were evaluated and selected for improved biochemical composition and taste. The total yield of red beets during the experimental years ranged from 55.7 to 63.0 t ha−1, and the marketability ranged from 70.2% to 85.5%. The high amount of total sugar was obtained from cultivar ‘Kestrel’ H (10.55%) and ‘Joniai’ (10.12%). The highest betalain content was observed in the cultivar ‘Joniai’ (1482 mg kg−1) and the lowest in the hybrid ‘Action’ (748.5 mg kg−1). The least nitrate amount was determined in ‘Kestrel’ H and ‘Joniai’ (up to 677.3 mg kg−1). The study showed that red beets ‘Wodan’ H and ‘Action’ H are distinguished by their ability to produce high marketable yields of 52.7 and 53.9 t ha−1, respectively. The results showed that organically grown red beets ‘Kestrel’ H and ‘Joniai’ in Lithuanian climate conditions have the best biochemical composition and can be recommended for fresh consumption and the processing industry.