Sugar beet growers have fewer top varieties to choose from for 2015, although a new split list of varieties aims to make it easier to select the most appropriate seed.

Unveiled last month by the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO), the 2015 sugar beet Recommended List is divided into two parts – a list of 10 varieties based on trials data and a separate descriptive list of six varieties with special traits aimed at specific situations.

Seen as a more sophisticated approach to selection, the descriptive list aims to help growers assess the impact of seed types to meet beet cyst nematode (BCN) populations and aggressive AYPR strains of rhizomania, said BBRO chairman Mike May.

“Certainly, if you have a severe problem, in the future you want to choose a variety that reduces your problem – not just yield well and exacerbate it,” Mr May said at a seed variety launch day at Abbey Farm, West Dereham, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

The 10 varieties on the 2015 Recommended List compares with 20 varieties on the 2014 list, although the 2015 descriptive list includes a further six varieties with special traits for growers facing BCN and AYPR situations.

There are also fewer new varieties on the 2015 list – which features just two new entries compared with nine new entries introduced last year. This reflected the number of varieties coming through from the breeders, rather than any change in the rules for inclusion.

The 2015 BBRO/BSPB Recommended List offered growers a mixture of proven and new varieties – including those with higher yield potential plus specific traits for a range of different situations, Mr May said. “I would expect to see more varieties coming through next year,” he added.

Top of the 2015 list is new entry Hornet by SESVanderHave. As the highest yielding variety to date offered to UK growers, it boasts a sugar yield of 101.9%, a sugar content of 18.5% and a root yield of 101.5%. It is rated 6 for rust resistance, on a scale where 1 is low and 9 is high.

“What stands out is the consistency of the data for root yield and sugar content over the past three years,” said Ian Munnery, of SESVanderHave. “While rust resistance is good, the variety will still benefit from an effective spray programme to prolong root quality during a long campaign.”

The other new entry this year is Maddox from Syngenta. Ranked second on the descriptive list, it is targeted at growers facing light or patchy BCN situations. Top of the 2015 descriptive list is Sandra by KWS – the only variety this year targeted for specific use against AYPR.

The 2015 list was launched at a BBRO open day held last month in Norfolk.