Merak

Strategic choice for risky fields: Strube «Merak»

German breeding from Strube is synonymous with field reliability, and the «Merak» sugar beet hybrid is a prime example of risk management in modern crop production. As a diploid, normal-sugar (NZ) hybrid, it is specifically tailored for farmers operating on land with high disease pressure, providing a predictable outcome without excessive reliance on fungicides.

Practical application and pathogen defense

The primary reason for selecting «Merak» is its robust genetic resistance. In modern agricultural practice, where rhizomania can decimate a crop before harvest, the hybrid's natural defense mechanism is the most cost-effective insurance. By incorporating «Merak» into a crop rotation, producers can significantly mitigate the financial risks associated with soil-borne diseases.

• Disease management: The hybrid shows high tolerance to rhizomania and cercospora. This genetic resilience directly reduces the number of fungicide applications required throughout the season, optimizing production costs.
• Rot prevention: With a strong defense against various rots, the beets maintain structural integrity, which is essential during late harvests or in regions with challenging late-season moisture levels.

Agronomic profile and performance

The NZ (normal-sugar) type defines «Merak» as a balanced workhorse. With a sugar content of 16-17% and medium-sized roots, the variety is highly compatible with modern harvesting machinery, ensuring high output with minimal damage during the lifting process. Its diploid nature contributes to strong emergence and vigorous early growth, ensuring a consistent plant population across the field.

Farmers choose «Merak» for fields with moderate to high fertility levels where a blend of root weight and steady sugar accumulation is essential. The hybrid responds well to standard agronomic protocols and does not require complex interventions, making it an efficient choice for managing large acreages while maintaining consistent quality standards across the entire crop area.