Canonical Correlations between Nanomecanical Properties and Some Agronomic Traits in Sugar Beet

The purpose of this research was to study the relationships between surface nanomechanical properties and agronomic traits in different sugar beet varieties (Beta vulgaris spp.). Agronomic traits were related to the indicators of seed germination stage and resistance to rhizomania; and in correspondence, a group of nanomechanical traits of inner testa of seeds were examined using an atomic force microscope. The results of parametric and non-parametric correlation analysis between agronomic and nanomechanical traits showed that the single bud wet weight had a significant negative and positive relationship with, respectively, lower surface friction and adhesion of the inner testa. Similarly, thousand shell weight had a negative correlation with upper surface elasticity, and also seed vigor had a positive correlation with upper surface friction. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient showed that resistance to rhizomania also had a significant positive correlation with the upper surface adhesion of the inner testa. Three canonical variables between the two groups of physiological and nanomechanical traits were significant (r1= 0.972 and DF= 66; r2= 0.924 and DF= 50; r3= 0.839 and DF= 36). These traits have a kind of cause-and-effect relationship and, therefore, have the potential to be used for breeding programs and plant systematic studies.