Fodder beet Monalisa RZ

Dutch breeding for professional storage

The table beet variety 'Monalisa RC' by Rijk Zwaan is the result of breeding efforts focused on the needs of large agricultural holdings and processing plants. Dutch breeders have developed a hybrid that meets the market's key demands: crop stability, uniformity of roots, and exceptional shelf life.

Agronomic performance and resistance

The growing period of the hybrid is 100–110 days, making it an optimal choice for main-season cultivation. One of the major strengths of 'Monalisa RC' is its high resistance to Cercospora leaf spot. In intensive farming conditions, where fungal diseases can destroy a significant portion of the yield, this factor becomes decisive in reducing costs for fungicide protection.

Root quality and processing technology

The appearance and internal structure of 'Monalisa RC' meet rigorous quality standards:

• Shape: Ideally round, which facilitates mechanical harvesting and subsequent post-harvest handling.
• Color: A deep, dark red color that remains stable both in the field and during long-term storage, with no white zoning on the cross-section.
• Application: The hybrid shows excellent results for industrial processing (juice production, vacuum packaging) and long-term storage.

Choosing this hybrid is justified for farmers planning to sell their produce not only during the main season but also throughout the winter and spring. Rijk Zwaan has successfully combined superior taste with a market-ready appearance that remains attractive even after several months in storage.