F1 hybrid beet makes it all better

South Africa has a significant fresh market for beet where both bulbs and tops are consumed. The fresh market, therefore, concentrates on bunching types with quality round red roots as well as the pre-packed market where the tops have been removed.

It is therefore important that varieties can produce quality roots and tops. Over the past decade, our markets have also shifted from open pollinated to hybrid beet varieties with better quality and taste. Sakata’s F1 hybrid beet varieties focus on the production of quality, attractive beet that is adaptable to field conditions in all areas of the country, with good taste.

A medium maturing red beetroot hybrid, suitable for warm and cool season production. Kestrel produces high quality, smooth, uniform, globe-shaped roots which are complemented with a small, refined taproot and deep red external and internal root colour.

Kestrel’s hybrid vigour leads to early, uniform plant establishment and its ability to produce a round shape with a small

crown, small leaf attachment and fine taproot at an early stage make it an excellent candidate for baby beet production. It is suitable for the bunched, fresh and pre-pack markets, and in addition, roots can be stored (controlled environment) for extended periods of time when harvested at full maturity. Kestrel has intermediate resistance against Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola), Downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa f.sp. betae) and Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) – the latter ensures erect and healthy foliage throughout the growing season.

An early to medium maturing hybrid red beetroot, adapted for summer production. Merlin has smooth, uniform, deep red, globe-shaped roots with a small crown and refined taproot. It offers higher sugar content (12 - 15%) in comparison to standard beet varieties. Due to its high sugar content, Merlin is a perfect choice for processors, fresh market growers and home gardeners. In addition, it is also suitable for baby leaf and baby beet production. Merlin is less prone to zoning during warm conditions/heat stress. It has intermediate resistance to Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola) and Downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa f.sp. betae). The latter ensures that the tops remain erect and healthy for optimum production and visual appeal in bunching.

An early to medium maturing hybrid red beetroot, suitable for all year-round production. Red Ace’s wide adaptability and ex-

cellent yield potential have made it an industry leader. It is renowned for its smooth, uniform, deep red, globe-shaped roots, high yields and consistent performance. The latter characteristics are why this variety is preferred by multiple food processors. It is also suitable for the bunched, baby leaf, baby beetroot and pre-pack market as well as for home gardeners. Red Ace has intermediate resistance to Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola).

A speciality garden beet that offers a vivid purple and white interior zoning, along with a mild sweet flavour. This beet is appealing to the fresh market, specialty growers and home gardeners. The roots have a flattened globe shape, a mediumsized crown and a medium-sized tap root.

An early to medium maturing yellow speciality beetroot. Touchstone Gold has vibrant yellow to golden, smooth, globe-shaped roots with small crowns and taproots. The roots have very little to no internal zoning. It can be roasted or cooked and due to its sweet and delicious taste, it is ideal to consume raw in fresh salads or as a garnish. The yellow pigment does not stain and the root retains its beautiful yellow colour when cooked. Touchstone Gold has a strong, erect, light green foliage with light yellow petioles that has a sweet taste which could also be used in salads. Touchstone Gold has intermediate resistance to Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola).

Please visit the Sakata website at www.sakata.co.za for more information on Sakata’s beet varieties or to view the whole product range.

DISCLAIMER: This information is based on our observations and/or information from other sources. As crop performance depends on the interaction between the genetic potential of the seed, its physiological characteristics, and the environment, including management, we give no warranty express or implied, for the performance of crops relative to the information given nor do we accept any liability for any loss, direct or consequential, that may arise from whatsoever cause. Please read the Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Conditions of Sale before ordering seed.