British Sugar and its grower base are facing mounting pressure after Associated British Foods warned there is “no evidence yet of a recovery” in the European sugar market next year. The group said its sugar division fell to a £27m adjusted operating loss in the first half of 2026... Read more

Sugar beet growers are being urged to prepare for a prolonged aphid control campaign as virus yellows pressure builds across eastern England. Many crops are likely to require a three-spray aphicide programme this season after warm spring conditions encouraged early pest activity, says the latest bulletin from the British... Read more

Significant cost implications for crops Sugar beet growers looking to rationalise herbicide use should consider the pros and cons of alternatives – which may not suit all situations and seasons. British Sugar’s weed specialist and technical support manager Pam Chambers has been testing different weed control strategies at a... Read more

• Nutrient uptake in dry conditions • Alternative to artificial fertilisers • Helps crops reach yield potential More growers are treating beet crops with nitrogen fixing bacteria biofertilisers to ensure plants have essential nutrients available during key growth stages in dry weather. Early season applications of Vixeran lock nitrogen... Read more

• Dry spring slows crop growth • Many crops at different stages • Strategic approach to weeds Lack of rain continues to create challenging conditions for sugar beet – with hot weather adding to the challenge of what and when to spray for weed control. While the dry weather... Read more

A scientific breakthrough could provide UK farmers with environmentally friendly protection against a key sugar beet disease. Researchers at the Norwich-based John Innes Centre have developed a non-chemical molecular approach to protect crops against virus yellows – a disease which can reduce sugar beet yields by as much as... Read more

Growers are being advised to discuss their requirements with plant breeders before ordering sugar beet seed tolerant to challenges faced by the crop. Six new sugar beet varieties have been added to the British Beet Research Organisation recommended list for drilling in 2025. They include varieties tolerant to Beet... Read more

Growers are being urged to remain vigilant and continue adapting sugar beet spray programmes where necessary after the soggy spring delayed drilling.

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A garlic-based nematicide has proved its worth in independent sugar beet trials for a second successive season.

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Potato growers are urged to plan their anti-resistance strategies for blight following the failure of a major control product.

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