Nordzucker Post 3/2024 - 25 July 2024

Sugar beet cultivation 2024: “Development currently at a good level”

The challenging start to the season had a lingering effect and influenced the emergence of the plants in many places. ‘In some regions, the beets got off to a late start, ‘ says Björn Kiepe, Head of Agri Consulting & Shared Agri Services. Particularly in northern growing regions such as Sweden and Finland, the growing season has been comparatively short so far due to the late sowing. Overall, however, the development can be considered satisfactory; stocks average 90,000 plants per hectare. The exceptions are Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein, where development has so far been below average due to the wet spring. However, regional differences and weather-related fluctuations are normal, says Kiepe. ‘Overall, we are currently on the right track. The current conditions with sufficient moisture, warm days and cool nights are definitely beneficial.’

Yield risks are posed by diseases and pest infestations. In some regions, such as Poland, Sweden and northern Germany, disease and pest pressure is currently high. Cercospora, for example, has set in earlier this year due to the warm and humid conditions; the fungal disease could have an impact on sugar content and yield, especially in sensitive varieties.

Animal pests are also appearing earlier; the first symptoms of stolbur caused by cicadas have been reported in Serbia. In terms of herbicide use, everything has so far been within the normal range. ‘In most countries, the herbicide measures were successful and efficient, ‘ says Kiepe.

Conclusion: A reliable yield forecast is currently not possible. Although the growing conditions are ideal in many places, this is only a snapshot. Yield and sugar content depend heavily on the next two months. ‘As things stand today, however, we are at a good level and expect an average to good beet year.’