Influence of harvest timing, fungicides, and Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus on sugar beet storage

Root rots in sugar beet storage can lead to million dollar losses because of reduced sucrose recovery. Thus, studies were conducted to establish better chemical control options and a better understanding of the fungi involved in the rot complex. A water check and three fungicides (Mertect, Propulse, and Stadium) were investigated for their ability to control fungal rot on sugar beet roots held in long term storage during both the 2012 and 2013 storage seasons. At the end of September into October, roots were collected on five subsequent weeks, treated, and placed on top of a commercial indoor storage pile until early February. Both Propulse and Stadium performed well, by reducing fungal growth and rot on roots versus the check by an average of 84 to 100% for roots collected the first three weeks both years. When compared to the check and Mertect, both Propulse and Stadium reduced sucrose loss by 22 to 34% when differences could be statistically proven. The predominant fungal pathogens were an Athelia-like sp., Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium spp., and Phoma betae. Propulse and Stadium should be considered further for root rot control in commercial sugar beet storage and on roots being held for seed production