VLAD

Why «Vlad» became a standard for fields with high disease pressure

When you are working with sugar beet in soils where problems have been accumulating for decades, choosing the right seed turns into a survival strategy. The "Vlad" hybrid from German breeder Strube didn't enter my crop rotation by accident. The combination of high sugar content and a strong defense against soil-borne pathogens was the main draw.

Field Performance and Agronomics

In the field, "Vlad" behaves consistently. The root shape is oval-conical, which is critical for mechanical harvesting. The large size does not sacrifice density: since this is a ZZ type (maximum sugar content) hybrid, the final yield produces a steady 19–20% sugar. This is a rare case where raw material supply doesn't turn into a gamble at the sugar plant.

Protection and Resistance: Real-World Experience

The main advantage I've noted during operation is that this hybrid really "holds the line" against nematodes and root rots. Where other varieties started to yellow and wilt at the first sign of rot, "Vlad" maintained its turgor and continued to bulk up. This saves on fungicide budgets — I don't have to douse the field with chemicals beyond the norm just to keep the crop until harvest.

• Type: ZZ (high sugar).
• Sugar content: 19–20%.
• Shape: Oval-conical.
• Specialization: High resistance to rots and nematodes.

If your goal is to achieve high sugar yield per hectare without risking crop failure due to soil diseases, "Vlad" by Strube addresses this efficiently. It is a predictable tool that is forgiving and delivers stable results in challenging conditions.