Kestrel is a medium maturing red beetroot hybrid, suitable for warm and cool season production. Kestrel produces high quality, smooth, uniform, globe-shaped roots which are complemented with a small, refined taproot and deep red external and internal root colour. Kestrel’s hybrid vigour leads to early, uniform plant establishment and its ability to produce a round shape with a small crown, small leaf attachment and fine taproot at an early stage make it an excellent candidate for baby beet production. Kestrel is suitable for the bunched, fresh and pre-pack markets, and in addition, roots can be stored (controlled environment) for extended periods of time when harvested at full maturity. Kestrel has intermediate resistance against Cercospora leaf spot/Cb (Cercospora beticola), Downy mildew/Pfb (Peronospora farinosa f.sp. betae) and Powdery mildew/Ep (Erysiphe polygoni) – the latter ensures erect and healthy foliage throughout the growing season.

SPECIAL VARIETAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sakata do not recommend sowing during April, May and June in areas prone to heavy frost.
• Contact a Sakata area representative for a beetroot sowing guide.