Reducing sucrose loss in sugar beet storage with fungicides

Strausbaugh, C.A. and Neher, Oliver T. and Rearick, E. and Eujayl, Imad A. (2015) Reducing sucrose loss in sugar beet storage with fungicides. The Sugarbeet. Spring Issue:28-29. 9 March 2015.

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Abstract

Root rots in sugar beet storage can lead to multi-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 5 subsequent weeks, treated, and placed on top of a commercial indoor storage pile until early February. Differences (P <0.0001 to 0.0150) between spray treatments were evident with both Propulse and Stadium reducing fungal growth on roots versus the check by an average of 84 to 100% for roots collected the first three weeks both years. The treatments also reduced (P <0.0001 to 0.0146) sucrose loss with the reduction being 14-46% when compared to both the check and Mertect when significant differences were observed. 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.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	1537
Subjects:	Irrigated crops > Sugarbeet > Root rots Irrigated crops > Sugarbeet Irrigated crops > Sugarbeet > Root rots > Fungi
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	09 Mar 2015 22:17
Last Modified:	09 Mar 2015 22:17
Item ID:	1581
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/1581