Sugar beet breeding becomes ever more precise… but high yields remain the top issueBy Ben Wright 17 June 2011 Sugar beet growers will benefit from reduced risk of bolting in 2012, but a wide range of other benefits will soon be on offer thanks to rapid advances in biotechnology, according to Elsoms sugar beet manager Ian Munnery. Elsoms links to the research and breeding programmes from both SESvanderHave and Strübe provide some insight into developments nearing the market. These include nematode control, tandem resistance to Rhizomania and – very appropriate for this year – drought resistance. However, Elsoms is committed to ensuring potential varieties have proven performance under UK conditions before marketing. “Drilling date and length of factory campaign are two key differences between mainland Europe and the UK, not to mention the variability of UK weather,” said Mr Munnery. “This is why Elsoms continues to invest significantly in extensive trials in the UK every year. In 2011 we have sown over 18,000 plots including four BBRO official trials which will examine a wide range of traits including yield, bolting, nematode, harvesting dates, and Rhizomania. “Looking ahead we have some exceptional new candidates in trials for growing in nematode-infested land. Whilst this problem will grow in importance over time, in 2011 the area sown with nematode varieties was no more than 2-4% of the UK beet area; partly as a result of the yield and bolting drag compared with existing varieties. Our new candidates are a step ahead of the 1st generation. It is important to provide an effective solution for those with severe infestations, however the market for the time being will be a niche, albeit important one. “Rhizomania is also attracting attention. Over the past three years we have identified and trialled in the UK a ‘silver bullet’ for those areas affected by the so-called AYPR strain in the form of the SESVanderHave variety Magistral. This variety has proprietary ‘tandem’ resistance combined with sound agronomic traits. However, as with the nematode threat, this is another niche market for the 20 or so fields in the Orford/Woodbridge area. The more common strains of Rhizomania are very effectively controlled by all but the one remaining susceptible variety on the Recommended List. |
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Free beet cyst nematode analysis service announced   “Our new varieties, especially Cayman, have set new standards for lower bolting. New material in our variety development pipeline and advances in our seed production process promise to raise this benchmark – however, as all growers will know early sowing carries a yield benefit but is not without risk. Lower bolting varieties reduce this risk but do not eliminate it. “Whilst new traits are hot topics what really matters to the vast majority of growers is dependable high yields. This requires consistent establishment and the longest growing season. That is why we have worked so hard to deliver the lowest possible bolting scores in our varieties. Something we have delivered on with Cayman, Badger, Lipizzan and Columbus.
“Year on year, sugar beet yields have risen by 1.5-2% which is a huge accolade for varieties like Bobcat and Bullfinch which remain on the Recommended List whilst other varieties come and go. This reflects the enormous effort we put in to ensuring commercial seed performance mirrors our trials performance. “Longer term, we know we have genetics with the potential to deliver 120t/hectare plus, and with next year the 100th anniversary of sugar beet production in the UK, the 100t/ha target from British Sugar is very much achievable. This is a strong testament to the combined endeavours of breeders, growers and British Sugar to adapt genetics alongside environment and management practices within the UK.”
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