The development of planted rather than sown sugar beets is being studied as part of an OQuaDu project "Organic Swiss Sugar", for which FiBL is responsible for research and extension. Two years of tests by the "Fondation Rurale Interjurassienne" in the canton of Jura have shown competitive results compared to sowing and in particular easier weeding. This technique is now of interest to many organic beet growers who are faced with technical impasses, particularly in western Switzerland: large farms with insufficient manpower for the manual weeding required (150 h/ha), juvenile vigour subject to significant pest and disease pressure.
In parallel with the OQuaDU project, pilot plantations will be set up at the initiative of beet growers who consider that this technique could save this crop on their farm. Detailed monitoring of these pilot crops is therefore necessary: the aim is to document the interests and limits of this innovative technique. The monitoring of the Vaudois pilot crops is ensured by this project.
