Pectinase and cellulase enzymes were used for hydrolysis of whole sugar beets and the hydrolyzates were fermented with Escherichia coli KO11 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae via simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Ethanol production rate was significantly higher for S. cereuisiae than for E. coli KO11. The combined effect of pectinase and cellulase loadings on ethanol production as well as residual galacturonic acid and arabinose concentrations were modeled for fermentations with S. cerevisiae. Ethanol yields of more than 92% were reached with moderate to high cellulase and pectinase loadings at 0.51 FPU g(-1) and 51 U g(-1) of dry biomass, respectively. Ethanol yields of 85% were achieved without any enzyme addition. However, addition of cellulase and pectinase enzymes increased effluent arabinose and galacturonic acid concentrations and reduced total suspended solids. This study demonstrated the yield potential of fermentation of crushed, whole sugar beets with or without the addition of cellulase and pectinase enzymes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.