In the season of 2023, the fields of «Astarta-Kyiv» agri-industrial holding were planted with hybrids grown according to classical technology, namely: CARPATI, BALI, BUFFEL and MAGISTR. In addition, more than 2,000 hectares of sugar beet are grown using the latest Conviso SMART technology (TERRAPIN Smart (nematodotolerant) and KIPUNJI Smart hybrids).

Remind that sugar beet is a priority crop for the company.

«This culture is quite profitable and, if technology is followed, it allows to get a good result. Therefore, if you calculate the margin per hectare, then sugar beet, even despite the costs, gives the highest profit. Its profitability reaches 50-60%», — says Mr. Igor.

In general, during the season, the beetroot grew and developed very well, the agronomist was satisfied with the state of the crop, the plant gained weight and accumulated sugars.

«We started sugar beet harvesting on September 25, — says Ihor Tkachuk. — We plan to finish the campaign by November 15, and then we will take it to the factory before the end of January». (The company provides raw materials to Narkevychy sugar factory, which is part of «Astarta-Kyiv» agri-industrial holding. The processing capacity of the factory reaches 6,000 tonnes/day).

How was this year for beet growers in general?

The year seemed difficult because there was almost no precipitation: we suffered without rains in Khmelnytsk region, moisture barely accumulated in the soil. In spring, when there was still enough moisture, we carried out timely and high-quality sowing. However, then it was difficult: during the development of the plants, only 38 mm of rain fell in 2 months. Now the situation has improved: it is raining and we can harvest beets, because in the beginning of the campaign the combine harvesters went very hard, they even "cracked".

In what condition were the sugar beets at the time of harvesting?

The condition of beets is quite good, this concerns both the density and their development. Although, compared to last year, they "sat down" a little. We harvested the first areas in 2022 with a yield of 460 centners/ha, and this year – 414 centners/ha. But now, after the rains, the yield has increased and shows an average of about 650 centners/ha.

What about the harvesting?

We use 10 HOLMER beet harvesters for harvesting. Then we use loaders to bring beet to the edge of the field and dump it next to a hard road, because driving into the field can be complicated by snow and rain. They lie there until they are taken to the factory by truck.

We harvest 240-250 hectares per day, depending on the topography of the field. Now we are digging the second and third rows of sugar beets.

Did your cultivation techniques pay off? Maybe you plan to change something next year?

Yes, the technologies will have to be changed somewhat, since sugar beet is a rather peculiar crop, and it is often affected by the beet nematode, which accumulates to an economically significant level in the soil and damages the root system of the plant, reducing its yield.

It is difficult to fight this parasite. It is possible with agrotechnical measures of protection: for example, growing siderats, or observing the recommended crop rotation. We sowed 1,000 hectares of sideral fertilizers, but due to a lack of moisture, we did not get the required mass, because the vegetation of such crops lasts 54-56 days, after which they had to be plowed. So siderates are for the future. We can only change crops once every three years.

Therefore, we have found the best way out — this is the cultivation of nematodotolerant hybrids. In particular, there is a very good hybrid of SESVANDERHAVE — BALI selection, which has proven itself excellently. Even for the next season of 2024, we ordered it for sowing on the area of 3,900 hectares, that is, about 60% of the total area. This hybrid guarantees an excellent result, because even where there is saturation of the nematode, it feels great, grows well, accumulates sugar and gives a stable yield, unlike other hybrids that are not tolerant to this parasite.

Tell us about the Conviso SMART technology.

In my opinion, this technology is the future. The hybrids that we grew using Conviso SMART showed an excellent result: if we calculate the costs of sugar beet growing, then when growing according to this technology, we "won" about 50 dollars per hectare.

Yes, the technology is not cheap, seeds are expensive, plant protection products should only be from BAYER (specially produced for this technology), but as a result, we still save money.

In 2024, we are increasing the area under Conviso SMART hybrids: from 300 hectares to 1,000 hectares. And a huge plus is that for this technology, SESVANDERHAVE has hybrids that are tolerant to the beet nematode.

Finally, what are the sugar results of your "test subjects"?

The results are pleasing: sugar content was initially 18.25%, but after the rains it decreased somewhat: now it is somewhere within 17.42%. But it is better than last year. Now we can take a beet, cut it and you can eat it like a candy — so sweet. So we will be with sugar! SESVANDERHAVE selection did not disappoint again!