Andante

Growing "Andante": Field Experience

Working with a Strube hybrid gives you a clear understanding of where to focus. "Andante" is a sugar beet variety for those tired of the constant mid-summer battle against leaf diseases. In my experience, this hybrid behaves predictably even on fields with high infection pressure.

Protection That Works

The standout feature of "Andante" is its resistance to rhizomania and cercospora. While neighboring fields might be struggling with fungal infections by July, the leaves here maintain turgor and a healthy color. This is critical, as every saved leaf translates into higher sugar content recorded at the delivery point. You don't need to run the sprayer unnecessarily, which significantly saves your fungicide budget.

Root Characteristics

The root shape is oval-conical. For mechanized harvesting, this is nearly ideal: the beets are easy to lift, the taproot doesn't snap, and harvest losses are minimized. The roots sit neatly in the soil, and the foliage holds well, which is essential for clean harvesting. Even in heavier soils, extraction wasn't an issue — the shape allows for smooth removal from the ground without straining the machinery.

Operational Takeaways

• Uniform Emergence: "Andante" shows high germination energy, resulting in a consistent stand right from the start.
• Fertilizer Response: The hybrid is responsive to intensive management; it doesn't over-vegetate but directs energy into building root mass.
• Harvestability: Excellent soil clearance, which reduces logistics costs and sorting requirements at the sugar factory.

This is a reliable German product from Strube that forgives minor agronomic errors while delivering stable, high-quality results that stand out compared to more demanding varieties.