Out of 17 new varieties considered for addition to the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) funded NIAB Recommended List of Sugar Beet varieties for 2005, six new additions were approved; Aspect and Radar from Advanta Seeds, Anemona and Esmeralda from English Sugar Beet Seed Company (ESB) and HI0234 & HI0261 from Syngenta Seeds.

Additionally, Latoya from ESB was promoted to the fully recommended category. Concept, Humber, Murray, Stallion, Priscilla and Wildcat were removed from the list.

Aspect and Radar are both rhizomania resistant varieties that have shown higher yield levels than the best recommended resistant varieties. Anemona is also rhizomania resistant and is included in the Special Use category due to low bolting levels from early sowings. Esmeralda has given consistent high yields over the trials period and will be the third highest yielding variety on the list. HI0234 (proposed name Bandit) is a relatively low sugar content type, which has shown improving yields over the trials period. HI0261 (proposed name Rascal) is a moderate sugar content type, again with improving yields.

Further information: Simon Kerr, 01223 342200 or simon.kerr@niab.com

The BBRO funded NIAB Recommended List of Sugar Beet Varieties for 2005 comprises :-