Global seed specialist KWS recently received a patent grant for improved Cercospora tolerance in sugarbeets. The leaf disease Cercospora beticola is one of the world’s most harmful fungal diseases for sugarbeets: The fungus can result in yield losses of up to 50 percent; there is a moderate to high incidence of infection for around twothirds of cultivated areas worldwide including North American growing regions in Michigan, Minnesota and North Dakota. Using classic breeding methods, KWS is introducing a trait which ensures a new level of Cercospora protection in combination with strong yield performance. The patent is directed to processed sugarbeet seed exhibiting the novel Cercospora tolerance trait in the U.S.
“The new Cercospora trait truly represents a milestone for classic sugarbeet breeding,” says Margaret Rekoske, director of sugarbeet breeding at KWS Seeds. “This is an important contribution to securing the profitability of sugarbeet cultivation for the future.”
One of the ways that growers manage Cercospora leaf spot is using varieties that are tolerant of the effects of the pathogen. The current tolerance source in varieties often has a lower level of performance, particularly if the infection rate during the season is low. The KWS research team has managed to “change the rules” with the development of a new trait that offers a new level of protection against Cercospora and yield performance in the presence and absence of the disease.
Farmers also manage the disease by the application of fungicides. However, over the course of time, the Cercospora pathogen can develop resistance toward fungicides which reduces their efficacy in the field. Increasing regulations on the use of agricultural pesticides in some markets can be an additional limitation. This presents a major challenge for sugarbeet growers around the world. The new Cercospora trait also offers potential savings in terms of the amount of fungicides used.
“The protection of intellectual property through prevailing protection rights enables innovations like this Cercospora tolerance,” says Dr. Peter Hofmann, Member of the Executive Board at KWS responsible for the Sugarbeet Segment. “This does not exclude that access to innovation may be provided to others under fair terms which can include licensing to third parties. In line with this position KWS will ensure that the new Cercospora tolerance trait in sugarbeet will be made widely available.” Planting in the U.S. and certain EU markets will start in spring 2021.
