University of Minnesota

Plant Science

Sugar Beet Rhizomania

Microbe:
The disease that affects sugar beets is the Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus (BNYVV). This virus is vectored by the soilborne fungus Polymyxa betae Keyskin. The virus can stay within spores in soil for years, and is favored by warm, wet soil.
Kingdom: Mycetae

General overview of Rhizomania:
Sugar Beet Rhizomania, sometimes calles "crazy root" or "root madness" can be a serious problem to sugar producers. It not only affects tonnage, but also sugar content.

Prevention, Cure, and/or Treatment of Rhizomania:
The weather greatly affects the conditions that Rhizomania can multiply and spread. The best preventative measure that can be taken is to contain the infested soil.

Diagnosis:
A test must be conducted by a serological laboratory. Symptoms include "hairy," darkened root, and leaves may appear Nitrogen deficient due to yellowing.

Related sites on the web:
[Practices that Reduce Risk of Spreading Rhizomania- John A. Smith]
[Rhizomania- J. M. Halloin]


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