ARS | Publication request: Management of Rhizoctonia root and crown rot of subarbeet

Submitted to: North Dakota State University Extension Service
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: May 10, 2010
Publication Date: September 3, 2010
Citation: Khan, M.F., Bolton, M.D. 2010. Management of Rhizoctonia root and crown rot of sugarbeet. North Dakota State University Extension Service Education Materials. PP-1495. Available: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/pests/pp1495.pdf

Technical Abstract: Rhizoctonia root and crown rot is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and is one of the most severe soil-borne diseases of sugarbeet in Minnesota and North Dakota. Rhizoctonia root and crown rot may reduce yield significantly, and diseased beets may cause problems in storage piles. Fields with high disease severity probably have resulted from a combination of wet conditions and a prevalence of other susceptible host crops in the rotation. Rotations with crops such as wheat and barley, which are not hosts of R. solani, will help reduce the inoculum pressure. Fields with a history of Rhizoctonia root and crown rot should be planted to a variety with good disease resistance. Fungicides must be applied before infection takes place provide effective disease control. Fungicides should be applied when the soil temperature at the 4-inch soil depth is about 60 to 62 F.