ARS | Publication request: Influence of sugarbeet tillage systems on rhizoctonia-bacterial root rot complex

Submitted to: The Sugarbeet
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: February 21, 2012
Publication Date: September 4, 2012
Citation: Strausbaugh, C.A., Eujayl, I.A. 2012. Influence of sugarbeet tillage systems on rhizoctonia-bacterial root rot complex. The Sugarbeet. (Fall Issue) p.2-3.

Technical Abstract: The Rhizoctonia-bacterial root rot complex on sugarbeet caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Leuconostoc mesenteroides can cause significant yield losses. To investigate the impact of different tillage systems on this complex, field studies were conducted from 2009 to 2011. Split blocks with conventional and strip tillage as main plot treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Within main plots, there were seven treatments (non-inoculated check and six R. solani AG 2-2 IIIB strains). Regardless of tillage, the roots responded in a similar manner for fungal rot (conventional 8% versus strip 7%), bacterial rot (26% versus 34%), total rot (33% versus 41%), neighboring roots infected (1.7 roots versus 1.5 roots), distance spread (157 mm versus 150 mm), and the number of dead plants (12% versus 14%). Strip tillage resulted in 6% more root yield in 2009 (P = 0.087), while conventional tillage resulted in 7% and 27% more root yield in 2010 (P = 0.063) and 2011 (P = 0.012), respectively. The tillage systems influenced disease variables in a similar manner but more studies will be needed to determine their impact on yield. Control for the rot complex should focus on typical Rhizoctonia root rot control measures (crop rotation, in-furrow fungicide applications, irrigation management, and host resistance) while a better understanding of the complex continues to be developed.