Beet Solutions - Bayer Crop Science New Zealand

Disease control and maximising yields

Maintaining leaf quality and retaining green leaf area, maximises the nutritional value of beet crops. While the bulbs provide an important source of carbohydrate, the crop leaves deliver a valuable source of protein. Apart from being unsightly, foliar diseases will reduce the palatability of leaves and reduce yields

Disease identification in beet

Cercospora

Cercospora beticola

Favoured by wet and humid seasons, Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola) is the most economically damaging disease of beet crops. Epidemics can cause the complete loss of crop leaves and dramatically reduce yields.

Ramularia Leaf Spot - Beet

Ramularia beticola

Severe infestations of Ramularia leaf spot (Ramularia beticola) can cause significant defoliation in beet crops. It is first seen as light brown angular spots with dark-brown to reddish margins. Infected leaves turn yellow and die.

Beet Rust

Uromyces beticola

Favoured in cool and wet seasons, Beet rust (Uromyces beticola) is commonly seen in beet crops. Characteristic symptoms are raised red pustules on leaves. Severe infestations can lead to leaf loss and reduce yields.

Powdery Mildew - Beet

Erysiphe betae

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe betae) is commonly seen in New Zealand beet crops as greyish-white mycelium on leaves. Favoured by hot weather, severe attacks can significantly reduce yields and feed value of fodder beet crops.

Using Escolta for disease control in fodder beet.

Download to find out more information on these key foliar diseases and other diseases of beet crops.

Step 1, 2, 3, 4 - Fodder beet solutions

Introduction to beet

The increase in the fodder beet area has been driven by its effectiveness as an overwintering option, especially for dairy farmers. Fodder beet produces high yielding crops that provide a highly palatable, energy rich food source for stock.

Getting the best out of your beet crop

With the appropriate management, farmers can be rewarded with a high yielding fodder beet crop. To achieve this careful planning, with the timely execution of crop management strategy throughout the season is required. It all starts with planning.

Weed control

Controlling weeds is absolutely critical in beet crops. Weeds can quickly choke beet crops and severely impact crop quality and yields. A well-managed and timely herbicide programme is required to grow a successful crop.