Betaseed offers new Cercospora tolerant hybrids in select US markets

Betaseed, having access to parent company KWS Seed genetics, is offering hybrids containing the new KWS Cercospora tolerance trait, referred to as CR+.

KWS has developed a patent protected trait which ensures a new level of Cercospora protection in combination with strong yield performance. The new trait offers sugarbeet growers’ performance, protection, and productivity as new hybrids carry an increased level of tolerance to Cercospora without compromising productivity and yield. The new trait also offers growers the potential opportunity to minimize fungicide applications.

“This new trait, offered in Betaseed hybrids for the upcoming planting year, will change the way growers manage Cercospora leaf spot disease in their fields. Through cooperator and Official Variety Trials conducted over the last few years we’ve seen such a dramatic improvement in the ability of the trait to stand up to very heavy disease pressure,” says Jason Evenson, Betaseed Brand Sales Leader. “Pending approval, we’re really excited to offer hybrids that have the new CR+ trait to growers in the Southern Minnesota, MinnDak and Michigan/Ontario growing areas. We’ve seen tremendous performance in both official variety trials and in strip trials on farms, and we anticipate strong performance in grower’s fields, helping to increase productivity.”

“KWS has demonstrated significant investment in the North American sugarbeet industry and with this new CR+ trait continues to demonstrate this commitment to growers across the country,” said Mark Schmidt, Vice President of Sales at KWS Seeds, LLC. Margaret Rekoske, Director of Breeding at KWS Seeds, LLC, is one of the inventors involved with the creation of the new CR+ trait.

Growers should contact their local sales representatives to learn more about this new CR+ trait.