The well-known diseases such as mildew and rust have long been known in sugar beet cultivation. Stemphylium and cercospora have also been added in recent years. We have recently seen a strong increase in this leaf fungus in the Netherlands. An important cause is the climatic change, in combination with higher cultivation frequencies.
In recent years, growers received seasonal reports to check their sugar beets for the presence of leaf fungi. Depending on the fungi present in the field, a crop protection product was chosen. However, the choice of crop protection products is becoming increasingly limited. In order to provide sufficient solutions in the near future, it is important to combine the right crop protection products with 'robust(tolerant) varieties. A combination of 'green' agents, chemical agents and robust varieties results in a manageable situation.
The danger of monogenetic tolerance
A monogenetic tolerance, focused on one disease and based on one or a few genes, seems to be a quick solution to certain problems in the short term. The great danger is that a monogenetic tolerance gives a great chance of a rapid breakthrough of resistance. Some well-known examples of this are yellow rust in wheat and phytophthora in potatoes. At SESVanderHave we are working on a sustainable solution for 'broad' leaf health.
Is a multigenetic tolerance the solution?
As a grower, SESVanderHave is aware of the demand for leaf fungus tolerant sugar beet varieties. In recent years, our growers have increasingly focused on the broad leaf health of our varieties. This broad leaf health is based on a tolerance based on a wide number of genes. The tolerance is therefore aimed at several fungi. This is important to reduce the chance of a resistance breakthrough.
In addition to the correct tolerance, it is very important to ensure a healthy and strong leaf apparatus. Trace elements and 'green' agents can strengthen the plant's natural defense mechanism. Good leaf health therefore starts with correct fertilization.
This year SESVanderHave has a French sugar beet variety with broad leaf health, Cameleon, registered for the Dutch variety test. With this we respond to the demand from the market. For growers in an area with a high(er) disease pressure, this type of variety can offer extra support in the control of leaf fungi, due to the high tolerance.
Click here for more information about our varieties and innovations or contact our sales manager for the Netherlands: Wim Zandvoort (wim.zandvoort@sesvanderhave.com 06 - 10 51 83 78).