New seed treatment to help ‘kickstart’ sugar beet germination

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A new sugar beet seed treatment specifically developed UK conditions boosts germination claims Germains Seed Technology.

Xbeet enrich 300 has proven to consistently deliver yield increases of 1.8% – equivalent to 1.35 tonnes per hectare for a 75t/ha grower – in trials and on-farm, in comparison with the current market leader, Xbeet® enrich 200.

Lead scientist, Jordan Long, explains, “Xbeet enrich 300 seed treatment features an optimised primer that kickstarts germination, combined with a tailored nutrient package designed to nurture seedling development. This unique blend equips crops with the essential resources right from the start, promoting robust and resilient growth.”

Specifically designed to thrive in UK conditions, it has proven to accelerate crop establishment, increase plant populations, and enhance yields when compared to its predecessor, Xbeet enrich 200.

Rigorous trials conducted over three years by accredited ORETO trial teams repeatedly highlighted its advantages, and commercial UK growers have verified its performance and safety through field-scale evaluations.

This innovation is the culmination of years of dedicated research by Germains Seed Technology’s UK-based development team. Jordan notes, “Research into Xbeet enrich 300 started eight years ago. Following on from the laboratory work, small plot trials were carried out over three years.  Encompassing different seedlots and diverse locations across the growing area helped demonstrate its efficacy over the wide range of varieties and conditions we experience here in the UK.”

“More recent work with growers, proved those results are replicated in commercial situations.”

European Commercial Manager, Richard Nicholls, says the the potential for over 1.35 tonnes per hectare of additional yield is an enticing prospect but says growers will also welcome better crop resilience. “Xbeet enrich 300 equips crops with increased resilience to navigate the unpredictable conditions of spring, with accelerated emergence and establishment paving the way for a good harvest. Xbeet enrich 300 delivers precisely when it is most needed.”

Jordan Long adds, “I’m excited that after all the development work that has gone into this solution, we can offer growers the opportunity to use this product in their fields next season and witness the benefits for themselves.

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