BASF team up with breeders to develop new sugar variety

The two companies are aiming to develop sugar beet varieties with higher sugar and energy yields as well as greater drought tolerance.

They aim to bring new varieties with 15 per cent higher yields to the market from 2020 onwards.

The head of KWS’ sugar beet division, Dr Peter Hofmann said a yield increase of 15 per would make growing sugar beet considerably more competitive and enable farmers to enjoy further cost benefits.

KWS is a leading global player in plant breeding and world market leader in sugar beet seed.

Last year, the company achieved a 70 per cent market share in North America with genetically improved, herbicide-resistant sugar beet varieties.

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