Totem

Consistent Yields Even in Challenging Conditions

When planning sugar beet sowing, you always have to factor in risks: diseases, drought, and crop losses. Working with the 'Totem' hybrid from the Belgian breeder Sesvanderhave Nv/Sa, I value it primarily for its predictability. It is a diploid hybrid of the high-yielding type (E) that delivers solid results across various soil conditions.

Field Defense and Resilience

As an agronomist, it is critical for me that the crop gets through the season without excessive fungicide applications. 'Totem' is heavily 'loaded' against diseases. First and foremost, it has a pronounced resistance to rhizomania and powdery mildew. I must specifically highlight its performance against cercospora—even in the second half of the season, when the risk of fungal outbreaks is at its peak, the foliage remains healthy and green. This is not just saving money on chemicals; it is the assurance that photosynthesis won't stop prematurely and sugar accumulation will continue until harvest.

Growing Experience

The 'E' type (high-yield) from Sesvanderhave provides good root weight under standard planting schemes. During the growing season, this hybrid behaves very reliably: uniform emergence, even development, and no stunted plants. The roots are uniform, which significantly simplifies the operation of harvesters during lifting—fewer losses and fewer breakdowns of the harvesting units due to irregular beet sizes. Cleaning the roots from soil is easier, which indirectly reduces fuel costs for logistics and shortens the time machinery spends in the field.

Season Results

By using 'Totem', you get exactly what is stated in the hybrid's specifications: a balance between yield and protection. For farms that prioritize stability and want to minimize the risk of crop loss from infections, this technical solution from Belgian breeders pays off one hundred percent.