Location: Sugarbeet Research
Project Number: 3060-21000-045-036-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2025
End Date: Aug 31, 2026
Objective:
Our first objective is to evaluate crop safety buffer distances and weed control efficacy based on the sugar beet growth stage when glufosinate is applied in a glufosinate-susceptible sugar beet in on-station trials.Our second objective was to compare the efficacy of fungicides for the management of Rhizoctonia solani (J.G. Kühn) between a banded application and a crop-only application using the EcoRobotix Ultra-Localized Applicator in on-station trials. Our third objective was to validate the findings of the first two objectives in a series of on-farm trials alongside standard grower practices and to calculate the degree of pesticide savings from the use of an ultra-localized applicator.
Approach:
Weed Science (Objective 1). We propose to test an adjustable crop safety buffer for the EcoRobotix sprayer in beets treated with glufosinate. For the on-station trials, we propose to compare weed control efficacy and crop safety when applying a 2 or 0 cm buffer at the cotyledon, 2 TL, 4 TL, and 6 TL beets. With a 0 cm buffer, the crop will be sprayed with glufosinate to target any weeds, but as glufosinate does not translocate, crop injury may be minor, and beets may be able to recover from herbicide contact. We anticipate that larger beets will be more tolerant to glufosinate injury than smaller beets, and the injury will be non-recoverable if the glufosinate contacts the sugar beet crown.
Plant Pathology (Objective 2). The pathology trials will be planted in Mid to late-May as later planting enhances disease development. Inoculation of the planted area will happen 2-4 weeks prior to planting. Five treatments will be applied: a non-treated check, combinations of two application methods, an 18 cm band over the row using a hand boom, the EcoRobotix applicator set to spray the crop only and two different fungicide treatments.
On-Farm Trials (Objective 3). We plan to conduct two on-farm trials for both 2027 and 2028. Either one dedicated to Weed Science and Plant Pathology Trial each year, or potentially two on-farm trials each year that can accomplish both the Weed Science and Plant Pathology Objectives. We will work with Western Sugar agronomists and the NE Sugar Beet Growers Association to locate growers interested in placing on-farm trials in the fall of 2026 and 2027. Priority will be given to farms that are close to the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center, to simplify transportation logistics associated with moving the sprayer, and which have known herbicide-resistant weeds and/or Rhizoctonia solani pressure.