Evaluation of XBEEJTM, an enhanced sugarbeet priming system

Abstract

Sugarbeet emergence is a key factor in production management of a sugarbeet crop. Cold soils, soil crusting and other factors can impact speed of emergence. Faster seed germination and stand establishment can increase yield and quality of sugarbeet. Primed seed is used to ensure quicker seed germination and stand establishment. Field trials were established to evaluate XBEET™ seed priming system developed by Germain's Technology Group (GTG). This enhanced priming system was enabled by various technological breakthroughs in seed lot calibration, machinery and process control. Studies were conducted in Minnesota at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) in Crookston as well as at multiple locations in Michigan. The objectives of the studies were to compare XBEET™ treated sugarbeet seed and GTG standard PAT priming treatment with non-primed seed. XBEET™ priming provided superior speed of emergence, final stand, yield and recoverable white sugar per hectare in all trials with PAT being intermediate compared to non-primed seed.