United Kingdom
March 2013
The first of a range of next generation very high dry matter (DM) fodder beet varieties has been launched by leading beet breeder, KWS.
Better suited for modern harvesting, handling and storage, than most current varieties Beretta has the potential to provide 18t/ha DM yields from a 24% DM fodder beet.
According to KWS UK fodder beet manager, Simon Witheford, the variety lifts dry matter yield to new levels and gives some of the highest feed values per hectare.
"In our trials it has generated around a third more DM than traditional lower dry matter varieties and this helps cut growing costs/t of dry matter produced," he says.
Beretta is a smooth, white rooted variety which generates low dirt tares and has around 20% of the root sitting out of the ground.
Mr Witheford claims KWS breeders have produced a plant type that has improved vigour to provide an even plant stand and easy harvestability. Beretta also has strong resistance to leaf diseases.
"Its high DM% gives Beretta improved storability and protection in cold and freezing weather, helping farmers to spread harvest date with more confidence and lift beet that will keep.
"Beretta will be widely available through seed merchants this spring and all seed is treated with KWS’s proprietary seed treatment, Early Plant Development (EPD) which improves speed of emergence giving the crop a competitive advantage at drilling," says Mr Witheford.
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