Sugar Beet - Farmers Guide https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/ The UK’s Leading FREE Monthly Farming Magazine Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:10:47 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/fa-icon-150x150.png Sugar Beet - Farmers Guide https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/ 32 32 Clethodim presents resistance breaking opportunity  https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/oilseed-rape/clethodim-presents-resistance-breaking-opportunity/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:59:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110685 Latest resistance testing of samples collected in 2024 across Europe indicates that most grassweeds are largely susceptible to clethodim, a key herbicide for oilseed rape and sugar beet. However, resistance is present in some UK populations.  

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In Europe, most grassweeds are largely susceptible to clethodim, a key herbicide for oilseed rape and sugar beet. However, resistance is present in some UK populations.  

In Europe, 74 samples were collected from blackgrass, Italian ryegrass and loose silky bent survivors from predominantly cereal fields in Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Benelux countries, said Dr Alexander Zeller, European herbicide portfolio manager for UPL.  

Across those samples, Centurion Max provided an average of 98.7% control of the grassweeds grown by the specialist German company Agris42 from the seed samples collected, compared with just 66% control from mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron and 79% with pyroxsulam + pinoxaden.  

The expert said: “I think it proves that using clethodim in oilseed rape or sugar beet can be a resistance-breaking opportunity within a predominantly cereals rotation.” 

It does not mean, however, that resistance is not present in grassweed populations, stresses Tom Wheelhouse, UPL technical specialist in the UK.  

Dosage and right conditions are of key importance

Survey work conducted by expert Dr Stephen Moss when he worked at Rothamsted Research from 2011 to 2014 found two gene mutations that allowed grassweeds to potentially overcome the inhibition of the enzyme acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) by ‘fop’ and ‘dim’ herbicides, including clethodim. Inhibiting that enzyme disrupts lipid biosynthesis, leading to plant death.  

One of the mutations, I-1781-L, was found to be present in 85% of the blackgrass populations at the time, with the second mutation, A-2078-G, present in only 8%, adds Tom. In Italian ryegrass, the situation was reversed, with 57% of the population carrying the 2078 mutation, compared with 31% for the 1781 mutation.  

Tom Wheelhouse, UPL technical specialist in the UK
Tom Wheelhouse, UPL technical specialist in the UK.

Mr Wheelhouse said: “Clethodim is much more affected by the presence of 2078, and less so by 1781, whereas the other ACCase products, such as cycloxydim, are heavily affected by 1781.” 

No further widescale testing of grassweed populations in the UK has been conducted since that time to determine if the relative accumulation of mutations has shifted, although Mr Wheelhouse said that the expectation was that the data would still be representative of the current population in 2024.  

Sampling in the UK last season took a different approach to that in mainland Europe, with samples targeted from fields with a known problem with clethodim control. Not surprisingly, resistance tests using these seeds showed more issues with control, although not for all samples.

One blackgrass sample from the seven collected clearly showed the population was susceptible to clethodim, he added. “That points to the clethodim issue being either poor timing or application technique rather than resistance.” 

Two populations showed similar levels of control to a known population carrying the 1781 mutation. “Using the equivalent dose in the lab test as a field rate of 1 L/ha of clethodim gives around 80% control, which suggests that application or timing and not resistance are driving the issue in the field,” Mr Wheelhouse noted. 

The other four populations were likely to carry the 2078 mutation and be the cause of the poor performance in the field, he suggests. The difference highlights the importance of testing populations, particularly after poor performance in the field.   

Practically, the results emphasise the need to adhere to good stewardship and practices when using clethodim. “In particular, making applications in the right conditions, paying attention to application technique, such as operating at the correct boom height and not going too fast, always include a water conditioner and use a minimum water volume of 150 L/ha. 

“Don’t fit application rate to the field size to avoid having product left over – use the correct dose, and make sure the target weed is at the correct growth stage and is actively growing,” Mr Wheelhouse said. 

‘Don’t push the boundaries.’

In oilseed rape, clethodim should not be applied after 15th October or to crops with more than six true leaves (TL). “If you push the boundaries, that’s when there is potential to cause injury to the crop, in particular if the plant has progressed into the reproductive phases of growth and is beginning to shut down for winter; it doesn’t metabolise the chemical quickly enough, and that’s why you eventually see fused flowers or abortion.” 

That can cause a challenge with timing with the current practice of drilling the crop either very early in August or before or into September. Early drilling could reach that 6 TL stage quickly and potentially before the weed reaches the ideal growth stage of two leaves to one tiller, or when conditions are such that the weed isn’t actively growing, the expert explained.  

Later-drilled crops might not have grassweeds at the target growth stage before the 15 October cut-off, especially where growers have taken advantage of the extra time to create a stale seedbed and spray off emerged grassweeds with glyphosate before drilling.  

Mr Wheelhouse continued: “Understandably, most growers are not balancing decisions about drilling oilseed rape relative to when grassweeds will emerge. But it is something to consider.” 

Centurion Max should only be used as part of a programme, which starts with cultural control, with follow-up applications of propyzamide at least 10-14 days after clethodim applications, he concluded.

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Emergency authorisation to use Coragen on 2025 sugar beet crop granted  https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/emergency-authorisation-to-use-coragen-on-2025-sugar-beet-crop-granted/ Tue, 15 Jul 2025 03:50:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110179 An emergency authorisation to use the insecticide Coragen on the 2025 sugar beet crop has been granted by HSE.

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emergency authorisation to use the insecticide Coragen
Stock photo.

With some areas already seeing beet moth activity, British Sugar and NFU Sugar, supported by early findings from the BBRO and European data supplied by FMC, submitted an emergency authorisation request for the option of Coragen application for effective control of the pest in this year’s crop.

This emergency authorisation for use started on 4th July 2025 and will end on 30th September 2025.

NFU Sugar and British Sugar are reminding growers that they must record:

· the date and locations of treatment,

· the number of treated hectares,

· percentage of crop affected by beet moth, and

· fate of the sugar beet tops.

Beet tops must not be fed/grazed by any livestock.

British Sugar will contact all growers after the emergency authorisation expiry date to collect information on the use of Coragen in the 2025 crop.

Concerns about beet moth

BBRO confirmed that there are increasing concerns regarding beet moth this year, with the hot, dry weather being conducive for its reproduction and spread.

Unlike other species, the beet moth caterpillars tend to mine into the stems and crown, causing damage to the hearts of the beets. In some areas, the beet moth appears to have been flying since late April and could potentially carry on until October if the weather remains conducive for their flight.

This adds to the pressure of determining the best time to apply sprays. Potentially the best timing is at egg hatch, with the threshold for treatment in several other European countries being when 10% of plants show damage to the heart leaves, BBRO experts said.

They added: “We are continuing pheromone monitoring and have an ongoing project to better understand the beet moth life cycle at Warwick University, as the exact time of egg-laying and hatching is not currently known.

“Drought-stressed canopies will be at higher risk for beet moth infestation as the crown will be more exposed for moths to lay their eggs and caterpillars to burrow into.”

BBRO confirmed that Coragen can be applied up to the 30th September 2025 and has a harvest interval of 21 days.

It is important to note that the Coragen label states it must not be applied to any crop suffering from stress, for example, as a result of drought or disease attack. Some pyrethroids, such as those containing the active cypermethrin, are also available with label approval for caterpillars, however, these actives will have wider impacts on beneficial insects.

To aid actives reaching the target caterpillars, high water volumes are required to penetrate the canopy, BBRO experts concluded.

Read more sugar beet news.


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Taking the fight to virus yellows https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/taking-the-fight-to-virus-yellows/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=109382 Specialist breeder Strube discusses advances in virus yellows tolerance.

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Sugar beet growing in UK field
The very high incidence of virus yellows in 2020 was valued at over £65 million, equivalent to c. 25% yield loss.

The earliest understanding of beet yellows virus (BYV) goes back about 90 years, but it was not until the early 1950s that the aphid species responsible for transmitting the virus were identified, Strube’s managing director Richard Cogman explained.  

Since that time and up to the early 1990s, controlling aphids with foliar insecticides was our primary line of defence against a virus that had the potential to reduce yields by almost 50%.  

Again, in the 1950s, another less yield-impactful virus was identified, commonly known as beet mild yellows virus (BMYV). In the 1980s to 1990s, a new virus was discovered, formally named beet clorosis virus (BChV) in 2002 – giving growers the three-virus complex we face today.  

“The ability for the aphid population to adapt and develop almost complete resistance to insecticides was of significant concern, and therefore the introduction of neonicotinoid (NNI) seed treatment offered growers and the beet sugar industry almost season-long aphid control.  

“The ban on this chemistry from 2019 due to environmental concerns left a void that returned us to foliar insecticides requiring frequent crop inspections to support timing based on aphid threshold,” Mr Cogman said.  

The very high incidence of virus yellows in 2020 was valued at over £65 million, equivalent to c. 25% yield loss, leading our industry to seek Emergency Authorisation to use NNI on a risk-managed basis using the Rothamsted Research model. 

This successfully permitted the use of NNI seed treatment between 2022 and 2024 with c. 60% uptake each year. With the loss of this option, looking to the immediate future, well-managed aphicide sprays and varietal tolerance to viruses will be our defence options.  

Anticipating that the reliance on NNIs was under threat, Strube actively commenced breeding and field trialling for virus yellow tolerance in 2015.  

This research focus and investment are now delivering the first generation of virus yellows tolerant varieties to growers. 

ST Tweed for virus yellows tolerance  

Results from the 2024 BBRO Goliath trial showed Strube’s ST Tweed to be highly tolerant to poleroviruses; BChV and BMYV, when compared to the controls. 

2024 Goliath Trial Strube varieties and controls
2024 BBRO Goliath trial results.

It is well documented that the poleroviruses can reduce yield by c. 24% to 27%, and this risk is increased by their greater prevalence in recent years when compared to the closterovirus BYV, which is generally more fluctuating.  

Whilst Strube’s variety Morgan delivered the highest yield and performed well overall, ST Tweed retained c. 88% and 95% of its yield against 100% inoculation of BChV and BMYV. This demonstrates ST Tweed’s tolerance to both viruses, the company said.  

ST Tweed offers a high level of protection in conjunction with aphicides applied at threshold, before the crop reaches ‘mature plant resistance’ at the 12 to 14 leaf growth stage.  

Furthermore, ST Tweed is very low bolting and has an excellent canopy health, scoring 8 out of 9 for Cercospora (2026 RL) and is also better than average for rust and powdery mildew. 

Strube Varieties for 2026 

In addition to ST Tweed, Strube UK offers Morgan, which is proven to be a reliable and consistent performer.  

Button is again well proven and best suited as a Beet Cyst Nematode (BCN) tolerant variety where it gives its best performance. The RL yield data is in the absence of BCN.  

Sugar beet varietal offer for 2026
Button is well proven and best suited as a BCN tolerant variety.

Seed treatment and packaging

Strube’s ‘3D+’ prime, pellet and seed pack was commercially available for the first time in 2025, attracting new market share. This proven and constantly improved prime and pellet combination matches the Germains Enrich product for performance.  

These prime and pellet seed treatment options will be available again for growers to choose from in 2026. Additionally, a number of growers who tried our ‘3D+’ this spring commented favourably on the seed packaging and its ease of use in the field. This will remain unchanged for 2026. 

Looking to the future 

Following the recent acquisition of Strube by the RAGT Group, the company will have greater capability arising from increased investment and resources into sugar beet breeding.  

Over the next 10 years and beyond, growers can expect to see further significant progress to support yield stability from pest and disease pressure through resilient genetics and the combination of multi-tolerance traits.  

This will be the direction of our candidate pipeline into trialling for national (now VL) listing, then RL listing and commercial reality, breeding progress together.

Read more on Strube’s varietal offers.

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British Sugar and AgriSound launch pollinator monitoring project in North Norfolk https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/british-sugar-and-agrisound-launch-pollinator-monitoring-project-in-north-norfolk/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:29:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=109215 British Sugar has partnered with York-based agri-tech company AgriSound to launch a pioneering pollinator monitoring project. 

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British Sugar has partnered with York-based agri-tech company AgriSound to launch a pioneering pollinator monitoring project.
AgriSound’s Polly device has been located at a farm in North Norfolk as part of the British Sugar pilot project.

The collaboration sees the installation of 27 acoustic sensors at a large farming estate in North Norfolk. The sensors will remain in place for a two-year period, recording real-time biodiversity data and providing critical insights into the health of vital pollinator populations.  

At the core of this project lies AgriSound’s Polly technology, which uses acoustic sensors to detect and analyse bee and other insect activity in real-time. This scalable and automated approach will provide unprecedented real-time data on pollinator health to the estate owner Ali Cargill, British Sugar and other stakeholders involved in the collaborative project.  

The information gathered will enable accurate and value-added insight into pollinator activity where sugar beet is part of the crop rotation. It will also examine whether wildflower borders, hedgerows and nearby water sources have any impact on pollinators over a longer period of time.  

The partnership explained that this detailed and accurate information will unveil opportunities for sustainable land and pest management activities across the beet-growing area which spans across the East of England, the East Midlands and Yorkshire.  

‘Maintaining eco-friendly practices well into the future’

Charlie Curtis, agricultural sustainability manager at British Sugar, said that this project presents a “significant leap forward” in the processor’s long-term ambition to enhance biodiversity across its agricultural operations.  

He continued: “We have been looking to adapt our practices to become more sustainable and supportive of biodiversity in the UK, and partnering with AgriSound seemed like a natural choice for us.   

“By better understanding pollinator activity, we can make more informed decisions about land use, pesticide management, and where to create nature-friendly habitats. This will help us to maintain our eco-friendly practices well into the future.”  

Casey Woodward, founder and CEO of AgriSound, added: “British Sugar’s leadership in piloting real-time pollinator monitoring will provide invaluable information to support data-driven decision-making by farmers in how to manage their land to protect pollinators and biodiversity. 

“We are proud to partner with British Sugar and provide the data needed to drive measurable biodiversity improvements. It is vital that more British businesses and producers look to monitor the pollinator activity at their sites to enhance the protection of our ecosystems across the UK, and we are thrilled that British Sugar has taken this step.”  

British Sugar has partnered with York-based agri-tech company AgriSound to launch a pioneering pollinator monitoring project.
AgriSound’s Polly device, located onsite at British Sugar producer’s farm.

Ali Cargill, grower and committee member of the Rural Economy Research Group, concluded: “What we’re really trying to achieve is to find out what sort of speciation of bees we have on farm, as well as how they are interacting with the crops and the wildflower margins that we have. Enabling us to see a baseline which we can then improve and build upon year on year.” 

The partnership confirmed that the two-year pilot project will run until 2027. 

Read more sugar beet news


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Get in the sugar beet zone with SesVanderHave https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/get-in-the-sugar-beet-zone-with-sesvanderhave/ Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:28:58 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=108314 Sugar beet remains a significant and reliable break crop delivering increased yields despite the increasingly extreme climate events, say breeders SesVanderHave and Hilleshög.

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Sugar beet close up image
SesVanderHave will be attending Cereals 2025, stand 239.

Anyone growing sugar beet today will be familiar with varieties from SesVanderHave and Hilleshög. 

SesVanderHave UK director Ian Munnery comments: “Last year British Sugar and NFU Sugar announced groundbreaking changes that empower growers to buy seed directly from the breeder.

“With so many growers seeking advice on variety selection and ordering seed directly, Cereals 2025 offers an ideal opportunity to meet and discuss sugar beet.

“With the event being held less than three miles from our Lincolnshire offices, our attendance is a no-brainer.

“We will be located on stand 239, our Sugar Beet Zone, near the NFU stand and next door to British Sugar’s own stand; so growers will be well informed ahead of their 2026 crop decisions, including varieties.”

On SesVanderHave’s stand, visitors will not only be able to meet the full UK team but also many breeding and research experts from SesVanderHave, Belgium and Hilleshög, Sweden as SesVanderHave UK is now UK marketing agent for the Hilleshög genetics. 

“We will showcase our full portfolio of tried and tested varieties that many growers will be familiar with, such as Antler, Aslan, Gadwall, Hoopoe (BCN), Osprey (AYPR), Magpie, Wren, Adder and Tawny,” Ian explains.

“You can also gain an insight into some of our candidates within current BBRO trials, including Grouse and Snipe.

“Antler truly is groundbreaking – the new Monarch of the Fen – sitting alongside BTS1915 at the very top of the BBRO 2026 Recommended List, but with higher sugar content and lower bolting.

No doubt, it will be the variety of growers’ choice for 2026 sowing,” continues Ian. “Our new high yielding variety Aslan sees Hilleshög genetics return to the UK market.

“Whilst Hoopoe has demonstrated excellent performance against beet cyst nematode, Osprey remains the only BBRO Recommended variety for use in the presence of AYPR rhizomania.

“If you don’t need BCN or Cerc (as claimed by the breeder), Gadwall is the third highest classical rhizomania tolerant variety – so there will be plenty of choice.”

With a further 10 candidates in BBRO Recommended List trials pending recommendation for 2026 and an additional 48 in APHA Variety List trials, SesVanderHave has a formidable pipeline of new genetics, traits and treatments to help growers maximise and protect their yields.

“We will also be showcasing some lessons learnt from Club SV 2024 trials; where we are not only working with leading growers to better evaluate varieties under commercial conditions across the whole UK but also to share lessons on how to maximise yields and minimise risks,” says Ian.

“The lessons learnt include seed and nitrogen rates, sowing dates and seed treatments.

“Reducing nitrogen rates is a major topic going forward for breeders given the potential to not only negatively affect sugar content and processability if in excess, but also to increase your bottom line.

“As part of the BASIS trail, we will be explaining the need for vigilance against rubbery tap root disease and syndrome basse richesse, which are growing threats across Europe.”

Cereals stand number: 239

Read more cereals news.


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SesVanderHave announces direct-to-farm seed sales ahead of Cereals 2025 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/sesvanderhave-announces-direct-to-farm-seed-sales-ahead-of-cereals-2025/ Wed, 04 Jun 2025 02:58:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=108086 Ahead of Cereals Event 2025, SESVanderHave announced that UK sugar beet growers can now buy seed direct from its plant breeders as well as access the latest genetics together with a wide range of seed treatments.

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Ahead of Cereals Event 2025, SESVanderHave announced that UK sugar beet growers can now buy seed direct from its plant breeders.
Stock photo.

The move by the global breeder of sugar beet SesVanderHave results from changes made to the British Sugar Seed agreement, first announced in 2024.

The full implications will be announced to visitors to Cereals Event 2025.

SesVanderHave’s UK director, Ian Munnery, said: “Essentially, growers who buy direct from us will have access to all our varieties, ranging from long-established varieties such as Magpie and Wren, as well as the newest top-performing varieties on the Recommended List, including Antler, Gadwall, Hoopoe and Hilleshög’s Aslan.

“In addition, we are able to offer brand new varieties which have completed National Listing and are candidates in BBRO 2025 trials. These include Possum, Snipe, Pintail, Partridge and Grouse, which are the next generation in terms of yield and agronomic characteristics.”

Pelleting and seed treatments tailored to growers’ needs

SesVanderHave’s UK director, Ian Munnery.

For growers with confirmed AYPR rhizomania, the company has Osprey, which remains the only BBRO Recommended Variety for AYPR. While for those with NERT (BCN) challenges, there is the established Hoopoe or the new promising variety Pintail.

SesVanderHave said that seed will be from harvest 2025 to ensure top germination while stocks last.

“The seed we will sell will be processed in SesVanderHave and Hilleshög facilities, so we will be able to offer a wider choice of pelleting and seed treatments tailored to growers’ specific needs,” Mr Munnery concluded.

Full details of the new arrangements, together with expert advice from members of the SesVanderHave team, will be launched on Stand 239 at Cereals Event 2025, and bookings can be made through the online shop here.

Read more sugar beet news.


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£50m steam drying project launches at Wissington sugar beet factory https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/50m-steam-drying-project-launches-at-wissington-sugar-beet-factory/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 02:48:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=107994 A substantial 50,000 tonnes of Scope 1 carbon emissions are set to be removed from Wissington’s sugar beet factory footprint thanks to a record-breaking investment of £43 million into a new steam drying project, British Sugar confirmed.

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British Sugar invested £43 million into a new steam drying project at Wissington sugar beet factory located in Norfolk.
British Sugar factory in Wissington, Norfolk.

In addition to British Sugar’s own investment, the project has received a grant of £7.5 million from the government’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF).

The sugar beet processor said that this significant capital has been “fundamental” in the project’s development.

Wissington, the largest of British Sugar’s four factories, located in Norfolk, is celebrating 100 years of sugar manufacturing this year, having first opened in 1925.

Currently, it processes over three million tonnes of sugar beet every year into approximately 400,000 tonnes of sugar and many co-products that are derived from the sugar production process.

This process, by nature, requires large amounts of energy in the form of heat and electricity, and although the amount of steam needed to process the sugar beet has more than halved over recent years, the site remains a high user of energy.

As a result, and further to a £17m investment in a new evaporator, heat exchangers and processing equipment commissioned at Wissington in autumn 2023, this project sees the installation of two brand-new steam dryers to dry its sugar beet pulp, turning it into an animal feed product.

The dryers will have greater integration into the rest of the sugar manufacturing process by taking steam directly from the combined heat and power (CHP) plant on site. Together, these two projects represent a reduction of 80,000 tonnes of Scope 1 emissions; that’s a significant 25% reduction across the site, British Sugar explained.

READ MORE: British Sugar successfully concludes campaign and celebrates 100 years of beet processing

‘Another step-change’

Phil McNaughton, head of decarbonisation at British Sugar, said: “This project would not be possible without significant investment from the government through the IETF. It marks another step-change in our decarbonisation journey at British Sugar’s Wissington factory.

“Removing 50,000 tonnes of Scope 1 carbon emissions per annum from our site is a significant milestone for us, and it is the single biggest decarbonisation project that we have undertaken as a business.

“This project brings us significantly closer to our ambition of being net zero by 2050. We look forward to working together with the government in the future to utilise new technologies and continue decarbonising our operations.”

The steam drying project, graphic by British Sugar.

Terry Jermy, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, added that investment in innovative decarbonisation technologies is essential to meeting the government’s climate targets while ensuring economic prosperity and job creation in regions like Norfolk.

“I am fully supportive of British Sugar’s drive to decarbonise its operations, particularly at Wissington in my constituency, and it was a pleasure to meet some of the project team, including some passionate apprentices, during my visit earlier this year,” he concluded.

Construction on site has started in order to be ready for commissioning in autumn 2026.

READ MORE: British Sugar granted royal warrant by King Charles III

Read more sugar beet news.


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Wider choice of varieties available for British sugar beet growers https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/cereals/wider-choice-of-varieties-available-for-british-sugar-beet-growers/ Mon, 12 May 2025 09:51:57 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=106571 Change has arrived for British sugar beet growers, providing access to a wider choice of varieties, the latest genetics plus a choice of seed treatment – all available direct from the plant breeder.

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Ian Munnery, SesVanderHave, will be at Cereals 2025 next to the British Sugar stand.

This breakthrough results from changes in the British Sugar seed agreement, announced in June 2024.

The key changes include growers being allowed to buy seed directly from breeders.

The varieties which will be accepted by British Sugar for processing must be either on the 2026 BBRO Recommended List (RL); or on the 2025 RL; or on the APHA Variety List and undergoing year three testing with the BBRO RL.

This means the grower’s choice can now range from well-established favourites to an opportunity to try out the very latest genetics on their own land far sooner than the old system would allow.

Buying direct will give growers more control over ensuring their seed is primed, treated and pelleted in the way they would like.

It also enables growers to develop strategies to protect the increasingly limited seed treatment arsenal.

For SesVanderHave, these changes provide renewed confidence to invest in developing varieties tailored to the needs of the UK growers and British Sugar.

Growers grow varieties on their own land and apply their own agronomy and management practices.

New threats

That in turn means UK growers will continue to benefit from the breeder’s global research and development, particularly in addressing issues of changes in pests, diseases and climate change which may be heading for our shores.

Current threats include rubbery tap root disease and syndrome basse richesse which are already threatening crops in mainland Europe.

New high performing varieties, such as Antler, reflect the benefits of a UK-focussed breeding programme.

There is a rich pipeline of new varieties coming through APHA VL trials including Grouse, Partridge, Pintail, Possum and Snipe.

Within the UK’s sugar beet growing areas, SesVanderHave has always invested in an extensive trials network, seeking to reflect differences in soil type, climate and management styles.

However, for the past two years, the breeder has engaged with a network of commercial growers through its SV Club.

SV Club members undertake their own variety trials under practical, commercial growing regimes.

The growers grow varieties on their own land and apply their own agronomy and management practices.

It gives growers to gain some experience of the very latest genetics that are heading to the market.

Results are shared with amongst SV Club members and already there are clear signs that soil type, weather patterns and crop nutrition have significant effects on crop performance in terms of establishment, root yield and sugar content.

At Cereals 25 (stand 239) SesVanderHave experts from the UK and mainland Europe will be on hand to discuss what the breeder can offer your business plus information on the latest variety Aslan from Hilleshog, for which SesVanderHave is UK agent.

And you will have the chance to win a luxury break in London for two.

Read more cereals news.


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British Sugar granted royal warrant by King Charles III https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/british-sugar-granted-royal-warrant-by-king-charles-iii/ Thu, 08 May 2025 11:03:51 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=106507 British Sugar has been granted a royal warrant of appointment by His Majesty King Charles III.

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British Sugar with factories in Wissington, Norfolk and Bury St Edmunds was granted a royal warrant of appointment by King Charles III.
Photos by British Sugar.

The sugar processor said that this recognition continues a long association with the royal household, as British Sugar had previously held the royal warrant from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II since 1972.

As a homegrown business, deeply rooted in the East of England, the British Sugar team said that they are “extremely proud” to continue their commitment to uphold the highest standards of service, quality, excellence, and craftsmanship, which unites all royal warrant holders.

Each year, the factories process over eight million tonnes of locally grown sugar beet into around 1.2 million tonnes of sugar.

Keith Packer, managing director of British Sugar, and Joanne Corry, managing director of The Silver Spoon Company, said: “We are extremely honoured to have been granted a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III, continuing the great legacy we had with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

“We are proud to supply the Royal Household, and as the nation’s favourite brand of sugar, we remain committed to supporting British farmers who grow sugar beet in their fields year after year.”

READ MORE: British Sugar successfully concludes campaign and celebrates 100 years of beet processing

100 years of sugar manufacturing

Mr Packer added: “It is also particularly special to receive the royal warrant in 2025, a centenary year with our two largest factories – in Wissington, Norfolk and Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk – celebrating 100 years of sugar manufacturing.

“This recognition is testament to our heritage in the Eastern region, the dedication of everyone across the sugar supply chain from farm to fork, our ambitions as we look to the future and our public commitments to sustainable and responsible business practices.”

A royal warrant is one of the highest accolades a business can achieve, underpinning the high standards and quality of a business’ day-to-day operations.

Read more sugar beet news.


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Fighting back against ALS resistance in sugar beet https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/sugar-beet/fighting-back-against-als-resistance-in-sugar-beet/ Mon, 05 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=105888 Alternative modes of action are needed to tackle problem weeds in sugar beet, due to resistance to ALS inhibitor herbicides.

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Sugarbeet field
Alternative modes of action should be used to target weeds in sugar beet.

With resistance to ALS inhibitor herbicides confirmed in a range of common broad-leaved weeds (in particular poppies, chickweed and, to a lesser extent, mayweed), alternative modes of action should be used to target problem weeds in sugar beet.

Speedwell species are also less effectively controlled by the majority of ALS inhibitors and can easily slip through programmes unchecked unless an appropriate mode of action is used.

Metamitron to the rescue

Two of ADAMA’s beet-specific herbicides, Goltix Titan (metamitron 525g/litre + quinmerac 40g/litre SC) and Goltix 70SC (metamitron 700g/litre SC), are ideal for inclusion in ALS stewardship programmes as they both offer good control of the target weeds mentioned above and have an excellent record in terms of crop safety.

Goltix Titan and Goltix 70SC also benefit from being able to be applied at their maximum individual dose rates from the pre-emergence timing (including at the peri-emergence stage).

Targeting common poppy

Goltix Titan is the best option for the control of ALS resistant poppies thanks to its additional active ingredient, quinmerac.

Two suggested programmes for the control of ALS resistant poppy are as follows:

Option A

  1. Pre-emergence application of Goltix Titan (2 litres/ha).

…followed by…

  • Post-emergence (T1) application of Goltix Titan (1.3 litres/ha) plus any additional actives required e.g. a low dose of Powertwin (200g/litre phenmedipham and 200g/litre. ethofumesate) plus an oil adjuvant

Option B

  1. Very early post-emergence application of Goltix Titan (1.5 litres/ha).

…followed by…

  • Post-emergence (T2) application of Goltix Titan (1.5 litres/ha) plus any additional active  ingredients required e.g. a low dose of Powertwin (200g/litres phenmedipham and 200g/litre ethofumesate) plus an oil adjuvant.

Mayweed control

Both Goltix 70SC and Goltix Titan provide good control of mayweed species, with the efficacy of typical programmes ranging from 80 to 100%.

However, a single application will not suffice in weed populations with ALS insensitivity. Therefore, to ensure effective control, applications should be continued until weed emergence is complete.

Challenging chickweed

A pre-emergence application of Goltix 70SC will provide a good start to chickweed control.

However, Goltix Titan will provide even better efficacy (approximately +5% better control compared to Goltix 70SC): this is due to the quinmerac in Goltix Titan which will primarily be absorbed via the weed’s root system, but can also be absorbed via foliar contact.

As such, Goltix Titan will also work well as a post-emergence treatment.

For the best results, post-em applications should be made as early as possible (when the weeds are from cotyledon to the two-leaf stage) and when there is adequate soil moisture to support rapid root uptake.

Results.

Key pointers for effective weed control in sugar beet

  • Use alternative modes of action to target ALS resistant weeds including:
    • Goltix 70SC (metamitron 700g/litre SC)
    • Goltix Titan (metamitron 525 g/litre + quinmerac 40g/litre SC)
    • Powertwin (200g/litre phenmedipham and 200g/litre ethofumesate SC)
  • The addition of alternative modes of action is essential in a Conviso Smart programme.
  • The best results will be achieved when pre-emergence and post-emergence treatments are applied.
  • T1 and T2 are the key timings for the control of the majority of weeds but be prepared to wait until T3 if the weather is not conducive to weed growth earlier in the crop’s development.
  • An oil adjuvant must be used to improve the efficacy of SC herbicides.
Resistance to ALS sulfonylurea herbicides in chickweed, poppy and scentless mayweed was first identified in the UK in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Data from a resistance summary by Stephen Moss for Weed research action group (WRAG) 2016.

More information

To find out more about ADAMA’s range of sugar beet herbicides go to https://www.adama.com/uk/en.

Alternatively, contact your regional agronomy manager by calling the ADAMA technical helpline on 01635 876 622 or via email at ukenquiries@adama.com.

Read more arable news.

Adama products.

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