Drena

Serbian breeding for sugar beet: the potential of the "Drena" variety

In the sugar beet market of the Eastern European region, the breeding achievements of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops from Novi Sad (IFVCNS) occupy a distinct niche. The "Drena" variety is the result of long-term work by breeders Snezhana Mezey, Nykola Chachych, and Lazar Kovachev. It is a solution aimed at farmers seeking a balance between high yields and technological disease resistance.

Under intensive farming conditions, crop stability depends on the plant's ability to withstand pathogens during early growth stages and throughout the entire vegetation period. "Drena" demonstrates a high level of genetic resistance to seedling damping-off (black leg), which significantly reduces risks during germination. Furthermore, the variety has proven itself as an effective tool for controlling Cercospora leaf spot, rots, and powdery mildew, allowing for a reduction in the frequency of fungicide applications.

Agronomic characteristics of the root crop

Visually, the variety stands out due to its characteristic cylindrical-conical shape. The large roots are optimally suited for industrial processing, ensuring convenience during mechanized harvesting. The originators paid significant attention to the root-soil interface, which, combined with the root shape, facilitates easier extraction from the soil without losses.

Market position and recommendations

Currently, the rights for distributing this variety in Ukraine belong to the foreign enterprise "NS SEME-UKRAINA". This provides farmers with direct access to original seed material from the patent holder. Utilizing "Drena" is advisable in regions where climatic conditions trigger the development of foliar diseases: the variety's high tolerance to fungal infections serves as a key argument in favor of choosing this hybrid when planning crop rotation.