Field trials in the USA: expectations met
The combination of an herbicide-tolerant sugar beet with a compatible herbicide does not mean that just one spraying now will be necessary for weed control. However, experiences in the USA have shown that when this herbicide-tolerant system is employed in sugar beet cultivation, fewer sprayings are necessary – and also that less fuel is needed.
After cultivation of the H7-1 sugar beet was authorised in the USA in 2005, the state of Idaho began a field trial on a 1,000-hectare plot. An accompanying study showed that the cost savings per hectare was 100 dollars. It was also shown that more mulch seeding and less tillage could be applied. Up to now such non-ploughing, soil-preserving production practices were hardly possible in the cultivation of sugar beet because weed control was particularly difficult. Commercial cultivation of the GM sugar beet began in the USA in 2008. According to KWS, 250,000 hectares of H7-1 sugar beets were cultivated in the first year, half the total sugar beet area in the USA. In 2009, it is expected that cultivation of GM sugar beets will rise to cover 90 per cent of the total area.
EU: field tests planned in Germany and Spain
In the EU, applications for the cultivation of H7-1 sugar beets were submitted years ago, but a decision is still far off. However, imports of sugar derived entirely or partially from these GM sugar beets are allowed in the EU, as is sugar beet pulp intended for use as feed.
Commercial cultivation in the EU is not expected before 2015. First, field tests will be carried out to determine if the concept of GM sugar beet with a compatible herbicide can actually contribute to a more environmentally-friendly, resource-saving sugar beet production. It must also be seen if farmers can sink their costs and thereby improve their ability to compete on the world sugar market.
Systematic field trials will be carried out at several locations in Germany and Spain.