Arable
Nine new sugar beet varieties highlight the importance of plant breeding The BBRO announced the 2023 sugar beet Recommended List in April. With nine new varieties added to the list and four varieties withdrawn, the 2023 list comprises 22 varieties. In yield order, the new additions are Harryetta KWS and Annatina KWS (both from KWS), BTS3610 (Limagrain), Morgan (Strube UK), Stewart (Strube UK), Tawny (SesVanderHave), Adder (SesVanderHave), Button (Strube UK) and BTS Smart 9485 (Limagrain). Button and Harryetta KWS (the second highest yielding variety on the list) are tolerant to BCN, whilst BTS Smart 9485 is tolerant to ALS herbicides, although it’s worth noting the claims for these three tolerances are based on breeders’ data as these characteristics are not tested in the RL trials. Morgan, Tawny and Adder are not recommended for early sowing (before mid-March), but have shown low bolting characteristics when sown after that date in the last three years of RL trials. Annatina KWS, BTS3610, Button and BTS Smart 9485 produced no bolters in those three years of normal sown RL trials. “Fortunately, the 2021 trial season was an improvement compared to 2020 and aphids were not a serious problem in the trials,” commented Mike May (pictured), chairman of the RL Board. “The yield of the control varieties in 2021 was 112.0 adjusted tonnes per hectare compared to 105.8 in 2020. The weather after drilling led to varying emergence and two trials were lost because of uneven stands. The number of bolters from early sown trials was higher than in 2020 but lower than 2019 whilst the normal sown trials (drilled after mid March) had similar or lower bolting than the previous two years. The autumn weather was generally good, but it was still wet at times so a careful watch was required to ensure trials were harvested under
good conditions. Once again all credit must go to the harvesting and tarehouse teams and trial operators for ensuring sufficient trials were harvested and analysed to allow this RL programme to be completed.” In the 2023 RL table, the average plant population of the five controls was 100,900/ha, (compared to 98,000/ha for the 2022 RL). Average sugar content (17.1%) was the same as the previous year. The numbers of early-sown bolters are from trials sown between mid-February up to the first five days of March. Growers should use the early sown bolting figures for guidance if sowing early, or if very cold or other stressful conditions are expected. Those varieties indicated by X in the tables are not recommended for sowing before the 15th March, but present a much lower risk for normal sowing. In some instances, breeders may suggest some other varieties should not be sown early. “Before ordering any of the special varieties bred for BCN, AYPR, yellowing virus tolerance or ALS herbicide tolerance, growers should discuss options with the BBRO and breeders who will have more information on their performance and use in the presence of the specific problem,” advises Mike. “The breeder and BBRO will have more information on how best to use all the RL varieties in practice.” The RL/DL tables can be found on the BBRO website (www.bbro.co.uk) along with the supplementary tables showing the threeyear data for the varieties, plus data from trials untreated with fungicides, seed provenance, vernalisation experienced in the early-sown bolter trials over the last three years as well as juice impurities.
Leading the way in new varieties Sugar beet breeders continue to lead the way in rapidly developing new and improved varieties. Ongoing investment in research and development is bringing new varieties to improve pest and disease resistance whilst also increasing yields. Plant breeders have also demonstrated these varieties can improve nitrogen and water use efficiency. These benefits all count towards ensuring the resilience of UK domestic sugar production in the coming years. BSPB CEO Sam Brooke comments: “In what has been a challenging couple of years it remains vital that new genetics are constantly brought to market to help growers increase yields by tackling diseases such as virus yellows. “Nine new varieties have been added to the Recommended List this year, complementing the 13 proven varieties already on the list. This is testament to the tenacity of plant breeders and their ability to address the issues and concerns of sugar beet growers throughout the UK.” The National List and Recommended List are now administered separately to encourage new and improved genetics to reach the UK market as quickly as possible. “By breeding varieties that can increase yields, whilst reducing our reliance on the use of chemistry and nitrogen, we can help to reduce costs and safeguard UK sugar beet production. More robust varieties will help to challenge diseases, but breeders need the security that the UK market can be sustainable in order to continue the high level of investment in R&D,” Ms Brooke adds. BSPB is working closely with sugar beet breeding members – DLF Beet Seed Ltd, KWS UK Ltd, Limagrain (UK) Ltd, Lion Seeds Ltd, SesVanderHave UK Ltd and Strube UK Ltd – to advocate the importance of sugar beet to crop diversity and the economy. “To do this it is critical that growers are provided with new genetics at the earliest opportunity to sustain production and maintain a competitive edge,” she concludes. FG May 2022 www.farmersguide.co.uk 41
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