With 36 dedicated researchers, Betaseed is the sugarbeet seed industry’s leading research and breeding organization devoted entirely to developing high performing, multiple disease tolerant sugarbeet seed varieties to meet grower requirements. Developing new varieties is a process that can take up to 10 years as Betaseed researchers have been asked to do more with genetics than ever before. With that, Betaseed evaluated more than 60,000 nursery plots in 2009, and as an official testing partner provides data on Aphanomyces. Rhizoctonia, root aphid, and Cercospora to sugar companies and testing agencies.
Adding to grower choice, Betaseed played an integral role in the development and introduction of Genuity™ Roundup® Ready®• sugarbeets for North America.
Betaseed’s comprehensive research and breeding program has direct access to the world’s largest vault of sugarbeet germplasm through its parent company KWS Saat AG, located in Germany. With more than 120 employees Betaseed also has the largest and most responsive team working for grower success. Two coordinated breeding programs – one based in Kimberly, Idaho for curly top, Rhizoctonia, and rhizomania; and the other based in Shakopee and Moorhead, Minnesota for non-irrigated diseases such as Aphanomyces, Fusarium, root aphid, and Cercospora – work toward mutually beneficial goals that include Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode (SBCN) resistant varieties. This industry leading research has resulted in strong disease tolerance, improved yields and higher revenues for North American sugarbeet farmers.
The Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode is a pest receiving a great deal of attention the last few years. It is capable of reducing revenue and yields by more than 50% as most growers are unaware of the damage it will cause if undetected and unidentified in production fields. Betaseed is the only sugarbeet seed supplier offering highly resistant cyst nematode varieties with the Roundup Ready trait that do not compromise performance and specifically, yield potential.
