Sugar beet - Still a strong case for conventionals

Despite having its first rhizomania-tolerant entry on the 2010 NIAB Recommended List for sugar beet varieties, Syngenta says that growers should not turn their backs on conventional varieties, unless there is a definite need.

Said Richard Powell, Syngenta’s UK crop manager for Hilleshog sugar beet, which accounts for more than 40% of this year’s national crop:

"Obviously rhizomania is of increasing concern, but 60% of the UK’s beet area for 2009 is still in conventional varieties and three of the four most popular varieties are conventional. We believe that growers who are not affected should make the most of conventional varieties while they can as they continue to give the best combination of performance in terms of high yield, high sugar content and good bolting resistance, a combination that still can’t be found in rhizomania tolerants."

Syngenta has 6 of the 17 entries on the 2010 Recommended List, including two of the three new entries.

Saracen enters as the top conventional variety with very high-adjusted tonnes and sugar yield, the highest yield of any variety in 2008 trials and some of the lowest bolting scores.

Aimanta enters the list as the UK’s first low tare, early-maturing, rhizomania-tolerant variety and with high establishment. This makes it ideal where early lifting is required, particularly on heavier land, to allow a good entry for a following wheat crop.

"We are particularly pleased with our two new varieties, Saracen and Aimanta, as they further strengthen our existing portfolio, which includes current favourites Trinita, Opta and Alota." said Richard Powell.

"Saracen is a truly outstanding new conventional variety with the winning combination of high yield, high sugar and low bolting, together with a really good low-tare root shape."

"Due to its very distinct early maturity, Aimanta will be ideal for those growers who wish to lift early. There is a clearly identified need for a rhizomania tolerant variety that can be lifted early, and with its low-tare root shape, a first for rhizomania tolerant varieties, Aimanta will be perfect for this slot whilst allowing savings from reduced dirt and crown tares".