Can the sugar beet still recover after the heat?

The heat and drought of the past period have not left the beet cultivation untouched. Suiker Unie therefore expects large yield differences between the plots and regions: from barely 60 tons in the east of the Netherlands to 100 tons in the Flevopolder.

For the time being, Suiker Unie is assuming an average yield of more than 80 tons. "At the same time, a reliable prognosis cannot be given at the moment," says agricultural director Gert Sikken. "The damage caused by the drought and heat is very variable. It is difficult to quantify the extent of the damage."

Bigger differences than in 2018
According to him, the crop on the lighter soils is having a really hard time. "We have seen images of plots where it looks fairly dramatic, especially in the east of the Netherlands. But there are also areas (such as the Flevolpolders) where the beets are still in good shape." The differences are expected to be even greater than last year† "Back then there were already major differences between plots. This year the soil stock was low and the recovery level on the 'difficult' plots is limited."

The extent of the damage will gradually become clear in the coming weeks. The big question is to what extent the crop can still recover. "There is still a large part of the growing season," says Sikken. "At the same time, there seems to be no significant rain in the coming weeks. We expect to have a better picture in about 2 weeks." The same applies to the harvest forecast in neighboring countries, although Sikken has insufficient insight into this at the moment. "I understand that the drought also has an impact on beet cultivation and the eventual yield there."

Infestation of leaf fungi is not too bad
Research Institute IRS reports that leaf fungi are found here and there. A leaf fungus warning has now been sent for all areas in the Netherlands. So far, the damage seems to be okay. It is important to inspect the crop regularly.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.