The simultaneous progress of conventional breeding and biotechnology for sugar beet improvement

Sugar beet is one of the most important agricultural products which currently provides about 20% of the sugar around the world. With classical breeding methods, good traits can be introduced in sugar beet breeding programs but it can take years to find the perfect cross. Genetic engineering (precision breeding) is the most advanced plant breeding method that is currently used. In the last two decades, this method has been applied in sugar beet breeding for resistance to pests and disease, abiotic stress, and also by-product production. Genetic engineering has not only elevated the efficiency of breeding programs efficiency but also in some cases, such as introducing resistance in sugar beet to herbicide application, significantly reduced costs. The present study will describe recent progress in the application of genetic engineering in sugar beet improvement.