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ARS Home » Midwest Area » East Lansing, Michigan » Sugarbeet and Bean Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #433292
Research Project: Sugar Beet Genetics and Pathogen Interactions

Location: Sugarbeet and Bean Research

Title: Seedling disease survey in Michigan 2025

Author
item Hanson, Linda
item Goodwill, Thomas
item MADDI, PRANAVASRI - Michigan State University

Submitted to: Review / Technical Review
Publication Type: Research Technical Update
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/5/2026
Publication Date: 3/9/2026
Citation: Hanson, L.E., Goodwill, T.R., Maddi, P. 2026. Seedling disease survey in Michigan 2025.. Review / Technical Review. in Research Results 2025. Michigan Sugarbeet REACh. Bay City, MI. pgs 15-16.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A survey of seedling diseases in sugar beet was conducted in Michigan starting in 2023 due to grower reports of problems with stand establishment. Seedlings with damping-off symptoms, foliar yellowing, or stunting were collected and sampled with the generous help of Michigan Sugar agriculturalists. Results indicated a potential shift in the seedling pathogen complex compared with a previous survey done in Michigan between 2008 and 2012. In the current survey, Fusarium species were the most frequently isolated pathogen group, isolated from more than 60% of fields sampled all three years. Rhizoctonia solani was one of the top three pathogens with isolation from 35 to 45% of the fields sampled. Alternaria species were found at a higher rate than in the previous screens, at around 45% of fields up to 60% of fields sampled in 2025. In earlier surveys Alternaria spp. had been found from less than 25% of fields. Aphanomyces cochlioides was found in 25 to 35% of sampled fields. Other pathogens were found at low frequency. Both Fusarium species and Rhizoctonia solani can cause seedling stand losses. Alternaria spp. have not been reported to cause death of seedlings, but can cause stunting and delayed growth. Isolates collected in this survey showed similar effects on seedlings as those in previous reports. The recently identified beet anthracnose was found in only one field in 2025 and at low rates during the survey. There are currently no seedling treatments for Fusarium or Alternaria species for beets. Testing for potential host resistance is recommended for disease management.