Emerging sugar beets are having a hard time

Suiker Unie has calculated the average sowing date, since 100% has been reached in many regions. The sowing date is 2 days later than the average this season. Meanwhile, young beet plants are having a hard time, especially due to drought and insects.

There is about 10 days between the earliest and latest sown sugar beets in the Netherlands. In Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, the average sowing date is April 1. In the northeast of the country, that is April 10 to April 12. Despite some early areas, the average comes in on April 7. That is 2 days later than the 5-year average.

Sowing almost ready
At the start of week 17, however, not all beets were (yet) in the ground. According to beet statistics there is still 1,3% to sow (about 1.105 hectares). In the meantime, overseeding is also taking place in the northeast of Groningen and the southwest of the country. In the latter region, crust formation also causes problems. Irrigation is sometimes necessary.

Beet growers and advisors should do everything they can to update their knowledge of pests. For example, feeding on springtails occurs nationwide. Damage from bean aphid and flea bean is also reported. Due to the strong wind, drift damage on light soils is an issue. That wind also causes dehydration, causing the plants to fall away or not rise.

Spraying
Sugar Union and the IRS raden both from working preventively with insecticides (pyrethroids). This is currently being done frequently. People are urged to use the damage threshold and only take action with a spray if it is exceeded.

Now that the sowing is almost complete, growers can enter their plots in the member portal. The delivery wish in terms of period and berth can be registered, which also started the Unitip registration season.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

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