Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. altissima)

Harvest-ready sugar beet		seed fascicles each with two to four seeds.

Distribution, Yield, Use:

Production (1000t) Yield (dt/ha)

Country	1979-81	1992	1979-81	1992
France	30300	31300	524	680
USA	22100	26200	461	458
Germany	27900	27150	450	508
Poland	13400	11050	289	294
Italy	14700	14300	485	493
UK	7490	8500	352	500
World	272800	280000	303	337

• Distribution:
  Spread from Germany over the whole of Europe and North America, up to China and in sub- tropical zones. Needs a warm climate and fertile soil.
• Use:
  Sugar extraction
  Animal feed (leaf, pressings)
  The sugar yield amounts to 16-17%.

Region of origin: Region of cultivation:

• Cultivation and Breeding:
  Sugar beet breeding began in 1786. By growing different beets,the Berlin chemist Achard discovered a variety that was especially suitable for sugar production. From this variety emerged "White Slesian Beet", the ancestor of today's varieties. The sugar content in the beet can be raised from 8% to over 20%.
• Breeding aims:
  The most important breeding aims are higher sugar yield, resistance to fungal and viral diseases and reduced shooting tendencies. By reducing certain non-sugar materials and contaminants the sugar yield may be increased.

Text by Dr. Wolfgang Schuchert
Adapted to HTML by R.Saedler