Breeding innovations
A comprehensive program had been put together to cover a variety of relevant topics. On behalf of Bejo, Breeding Manager Jack van Dorp and Junior Breeder Katerina Kontidou shared insights on the company's breeding strategies. Bejo places emphasis on developing hybrid varieties with superior uniformity, resistance and yield potential and its breeders play a crucial role in this.
Among other things, the duo explained the importance of the selection process for developing parental lines to create robust traits. In the case of red beets, for example, this involves certain disease resistance and high brix content; the sugar level, which has a positive impact on storability.
The importance of markers for the selection process was also discussed. By integrating DNA analysis into the selection process, desirable traits can be identified at an early stage. This provides considerable gains in time and efficiency, thus contributing to a more sustainable breeding process.
Seed production challenges and solutions
The complexity of seed production in different regions was discussed by Global Seed Production Specialist Bejo Jos Doodeman and Julien Jouanneau, Director Adjoint Production Bejo France. Bejo operates in several continents and produces seeds in both hemispheres to ensure year-round availability. They outlined the company's strategic approach to choosing production areas based on climatic suitability and risk management. They also explained the importance of wind pollination, which necessitates the isolation of production fields.
Jouanneau shared insights into the research efforts aimed at improving seed quality through innovations such as nutrient management using plant sap analysis, which improves plant resistance and overall seed quality. The team's efforts to integrate drone technology for off-type detection and autonomous systems for monitoring off-types showed how Bejo uses technology to optimize the entire production cycle.
Cultivation and storage strategies
Cornelis Knöps, Consultant at CropConsult, introduced the audience to the latest strategies in cultivation and storage. He emphasized the importance of data-driven farming, where decisions are made based on precise measurements of soil conditions, nutrient levels, and plant health. In red beet cultivation, Knöps highlighted the direct relationship between growing days and yield, stressing that one additional day of growth can result in an extra tonne of beets. He emphasized the need to start with a plan and keep in mind the purpose of the crop.
Knöps also covered nitrogen and potassium management, crucial for maintaining beet quality during growth and storage. The presentation highlighted the need for proper storage conditions to avoid issues like regrowth, cracking, or fungal infections. The use of advanced tools like sensors and camera technology for monitoring crop health was presented as the next step towards even more precise management.
Marketing and consumer trends
The symposium concluded with a session led by Daniëlle Bruin, Food & Value Chain Manager Bejo, who discussed the marketing potential of red beets, focusing on their health benefits and growing consumer interest in healthy, sustainable foods. Bruin emphasized the versatility of red beet, which can be marketed not only as a fresh vegetable but also as a superfood with applications in juices, powders, and even cosmetics.
Bruin also touched on the global trends in vegetable consumption, pointing out the rising demand for convenience foods, online vegetable sales, and eco-friendly packaging. She urged the industry to focus on storytelling and partnership building: by collaborating with influencers, chefs, and nutritionists to promote the health benefits of red beets to a broader audience.
Looking ahead
The event highlighted Bejo's leadership in innovation throughout the entire supply chain: from breeding and seed production to cultivation, storage and marketing. The discussions were evidence of Bejo’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in vegetable production.
After the presentations, participants had the opportunity to attend a harvest demo and take a look inside the product tent. What the program made especially clear: the future of red beet production does not depend solely on the supply of high-quality seeds. It is also essential to embrace technology and understand consumer needs. At the symposium, Bejo successfully communicated this message, emphasizing that as a world leader in vegetable breeding and seed production, the company will continue to invest and innovate to produce healthy vegetables and crops in the future.
