ROOT VEGETABLES
Beet production field.
F1 hybrid beet makes it all better South Africa has a significant fresh market for beet where both bulbs and tops are consumed. The fresh market, therefore, concentrates on bunching types with quality round red roots as well as the pre-packed market where the tops have been removed.
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t is therefore important that varieties can produce quality roots and tops. Over the past decade, our markets have also shifted from open pollinated to hybrid beet varieties with better quality and taste. Sakata’s F1 hybrid beet varieties focus on the production of quality, attractive beet that is adaptable to field conditions in all areas of the country, with good taste.
Kestrel A medium maturing red beetroot hybrid, suitable for warm and cool season production. Kestrel produces high quality, smooth, uniform, globe-shaped roots which are complemented with a small, refined taproot and deep red external and internal root colour. Kestrel’s hybrid vigour leads to early, uniform plant establishment and its ability to produce a round shape with a small
The Merlin beet.
crown, small leaf attachment and fine taproot at an early stage make it an excellent candidate for baby beet production. It is suitable for the bunched, fresh and pre-pack markets, and in addition, roots can be stored (controlled environment) for extended periods of time when harvested at full maturity. Kestrel has intermediate resistance against Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola), Downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa f.sp. betae) and Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) – the latter ensures erect and healthy foliage throughout the growing season.
Merlin An early to medium maturing hybrid red beetroot, adapted for summer production. Merlin has smooth, uniform, deep red, globe-shaped roots with a small crown and refined taproot. It offers higher sugar content (12 - 15%) in comparison to standard beet varieties. Due to its high sugar content, Merlin is a perfect choice for processors, fresh market growers and home gardeners. In addition, it is also suitable for baby leaf and baby beet production. Merlin is less prone to zoning during warm conditions/heat stress. It has intermediate resistance to Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola) and Downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa f.sp. betae). The latter ensures that the tops remain erect and healthy for optimum production and visual appeal in bunching.
Red Ace An early to medium maturing hybrid red beetroot, suitable for all year-round production. Red Ace’s wide adaptability and ex-
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VEGETABLES & FRUIT | MAY • JUNE 2022
