Fodder beet and sugarbeet breeding, germplasm collection, and utilization in Lithuania.

Fodder beet and sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) breeding programs were initiated in Lithuania in 1933. Two multi­ germ and one monogerm sugarbeet varieties were released between 1947 and 1971. Fodder beet breeding was contin­ ued until 1996, with the development of eight varieties. Research on fodder beet and sugarbeet genetic resources in Lithuania was started in 1994, under control of the In­ dustrial Crop Group. All genebank activities relating to sugarbeet and fodder beet genetic resources are based at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture. Currently seven accessions (mostly old Lithuanian varieties) are kept in long-term storage facilities. Other accessions are in work­ ing collections and seed is available for exchange with other genebanks.