ACH Seeds, marketer of Crystal brand beet seed, announces the planned marketing of a select set of hybrids that contain a new Cercospora-tolerant trait from KWS.
Through traditional breeding methods, KWS has identified and developed a patented new source of Cercospora tolerance. “The new Cercospora trait truly represents a milestone for sugarbeet breeding,” says Margaret Rekoske, Director of Sugarbeet Breeding at KWS Seeds and one of the inventors of the trait. “This is an important contribution to providing growers with a ‘plus’ level of tolerance, helping to secure the profitability of sugarbeet cultivation for the future.”
“For many years I’ve watched growers go to great efforts to control the devastating effects of Cercospora and the impact that this disease has had in many areas across the US,” said Andy Finkral, ACH Seeds Crystal Brand Sales Leader. “To be able to receive this trait from KWS and offer sugarbeet growers a new source of Cercospora tolerance that does not sacrifice performance may prove to be a real game-changer for our industry.”
Referred to as CR+, the new trait combines multiple sources of Cercospora tolerance and, while offering superior protection, it combines performance and productivity, something that has not been accomplished in the past. Pending results from Official Variety Trials and subsequent approvals, growers can expect to see hybrids containing the new trait for the upcoming 2021 season in Michigan, Southern Minnesota, and MinnDak regions.
“We’re just really excited to offer growers this new tool to help them manage Cercospora in their fields,” said Finkral.
Sugarbeet growers in Michigan, MinnDak and Southern Minnesota regions should contact their sales representatives to learn more about these new hybrids and how they can be added into their sugarbeet operation.