Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. altissima)
Goosefoot family
(Chenopodiaceae)
|
| 
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| Harvest-ready sugar beet | | seed fascicles each with
two to four seeds. |
Source: Bock.D., MPI Köln
Distribution, Yield, Use:
Production (1000t) Yield (dt/ha)
| Country | 1979-81 | 1992 | 1979-81 | 1992
|
| France | 30300 | 31300 | 524 | 680
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| USA | 22100 | 26200 | 461 | 458
|
| Germany | 27900 | 27150 | 450 | 508
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| Poland | 13400 | 11050 | 289 | 294
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| Italy | 14700 | 14300 | 485 | 493
|
| UK | 7490 | 8500 | 352 | 500
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| 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
