American Society of Sugarbeet Technologist Meeting 2019

The 40th Biennial meeting of the American Society of Sugarbeet Technologist (ASSBT) was held in Anaheim California. The Beet Development Foundation hosts this event which attracts over 400 registered guests including fifty from country’s outside of the USA. Presentations at the event include research results, introductions of new technologies and breakout sessions addressing current/future issues. The event includes both agronomic and factory operation programs.

American Society of Sugarbeet Technologist Meeting 2019

This year, the ASSBT agronomy presentations included a multitude of topics including drone technology, weed control, disease management, and fertility to name a few. Presentations with discussions are limited to 20 minutes so attendees may maximize the number of sessions one may attend over the 3-day event. Concurrent sessions were held in adjoining rooms allowing attendees to hear presentations of most interest to them. The relatively short presentations keep the information flow at a rapid pace.

The topic of the biggest concern for attendees and the industry is Cercospora leafspot. The disease is one of the biggest agronomic challenges affecting the industry. Millions of dollars of revenue are lost each year because of this disease. Factors such as disease resistance to the fungicides, warmer environments and lack of new chemistries have made control of this disease a challenge. Strategies for managing Cercospora was discussed in one of the breakout sessions. The sharing of information between professionals is invaluable in solving issues affecting the industry.

Germains Seed Technology has long been a strong supporter and participant in the educational efforts of the Beet Development Foundation. Attending the conference allows employees to keep abreast of the latest technologies and establish contacts with sugarbeet researchers. Germains continues to look at ways to improve seed quality and enhancements that improve emergence and yield that will benefit the sugarbeet industry.

Those interested in attending the next ASSBT meeting, the conference is scheduled for the first week of March 2021, at Austin Texas.