The book comes during a time of rapid expansion in molecular technology-based selection approaches that are destined to modify or supplement conventional breeding methodology. The new technologies will allow genetic and physiological factors influencing sugar yield and quality to be assessed in great detail and manipulated. These novel techniques will also reduce the dependence of the sugar beet crop on chemical pesticides and fertilizers by using unique and improved resistance mechanisms against the various abiotic stresses and diseases and by producing varieties that use soil resources more efficiently. A whole chapter deals with the current information on the development of these new techniques and their integration into sugar beet breeding.

History and Basic Biology: Brief History of Sugar and Sugar-producing Plants; Brief History of Sugar Beet Cultivation; Anatomy and Physiology; Cytology and Cytogenetics; Sources of Genetic Variation, Genus Beta; Plant Introduction and Genetic Diversity; History of Sugar Beet Breeding�Objectives of Sugar Beet Breeding: Introduction; Polyploidy; Monogerm Seed; Male Sterility; Annual and Biennial Growth Habit, Bolting Resistance; Self-fertility and Self-incompatibility; Seed Quality; Root, Hypocotyl, and Leaf Color; Morphological and Physiological Traits; Resistance to Parasites; Resistance to Abiotic Stresses; Sugar Content, Root Weight, and Sugar Yield; Ethanol Production; Postharvest Storage Traits; Processing Quality�Conventional Breeding Methods: Selection Methods; Production of Producing Commercial Varieties; Field Evaluation and Registration of Varieties�Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: Genomics in Genetic Improvement; Molecular Breeding; In-vitro Culture Technique; Genetic Engineering; Final Considerations�Seed Production: Agronomic Practices; Pollen Isolation; Seed Quality and Conservation�Prospects in Sugar Beet Breeding: Breeding Targets; Breeding Methods; Challenges