Michigan State University (MSU) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Services (ARS) are celebrating 100 years of research collaboration in advancing sugarbeet production in Michigan and beyond.
The collaboration has led to significant advancements in sugarbeet breeding, disease resistance, and early emergence, which have helped to minimize Michigan sugar beet yield losses by 15%. Current efforts are focused on tracking, understanding, and reacting to disease changes and environmental stressors, such as how drought and salt impact growth response.
One of the most notable advancements from the collaboration was the discovery of the monogerm trait in 1948. This trait gives rise to a single sugarbeet plant from a single seed with one embryo, unlike other sugarbeet seeds during the time that had multiple embryos and spawned multiple plants from one seed. The discovery of the monogerm trait revolutionized the industry, and it is still used in sugarbeet production today.
In addition to the monogerm trait, MSU and USDA-ARS scientists have also developed new sugarbeet varieties that are resistant to diseases such as Aphanomyces root rot and Cercospora leaf spot. These diseases can damage the root and leaves of sugarbeet plants, respectively, and reduce yields. By developing resistant varieties, MSU and USDA-ARS scientists have helped to protect Michigan's sugarbeet industry from these diseases.
MSU and USDA-ARS scientists are also working to develop sugarbeet varieties that are more tolerant of drought and salt stress. These environmental stressors can have a significant impact on sugarbeet yields, so developing tolerant varieties is essential for protecting the industry in the future.
The collaboration between MSU and USDA-ARS has had a major impact on the sugarbeet industry in Michigan and beyond. The advancements made by scientists from both institutions have helped to improve sugarbeet yields, reduce losses from diseases and pests, and make the industry more resilient to environmental stressors.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luiscarlosjimenezi
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Sugar Beets