Reparsky Institut (Sugar Beet Institute) - Semcice, CZ
Posted by: 
haggaeus
N 50° 22.064 E 015° 00.231
33U E 500273 N 5579517
A private institute focused on sugar beet cultivation.
Waymark Code: WME414
Location: Středočeský kraj, Czechia
Date Posted: 03/31/2012
Views: 109
The first sugar beet breeding station in Czech lands was founded in 1893 by Vaclav Bartos in Cetno, and in 1913 it was moved to Semcice. It was financed by Thurn-Taxis family, which was active in sugar processing industry (see the
WME411 nearby - the museums of sugar, alcohol, and beet processing).
During 20th century, the station added to its profile other activities related to beet cultivation: planting and harvesting technology, and protection of beet from pests. In 1951 it was renamed to "Výzkumný ústav reparský" (Beet Research Institute).
Reparský Institut is currently a privately owned company and its activities include:
- beet cultivation experiments
- testing of new beet varieties before they can be licensed for the growers
- beet protection experiments
- soil analysis consulting
- repairs of agricultural equipment
It's most important customer is TTD Dobrovice - the company which took over the Thurn-Taxis sugar plant.
The institute is based in its original building from early 20th century, with a large Thurn-Taxis coat of arms. There is no official plaque at the entrance, just the reserved parking sign at the parking lot.