Pests affecting sugar beet. Sugar beet is becoming one of the fastest growing crops in terms of land planted. According to Ecomercio Agrario, in Andalusia alone it has reached 8,171 hectares as farmers are discovering its profitability and sustainability.

Despite all its benefits, growers may come across several types of pests that affect sugar beet and which must be dealt with as soon as we see the first symptoms that they are making the crops sick. We talk about them in our new blog.

What are the pests affecting sugar beet and how to find out if your crop is suffering from them?

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew pests are one of the most frequent pests of sugar beet, since the fungi that produce them are found in all regions of the country. If the weather conditions of humidity (over 70%) and temperature (21ºC) are favorable, they will begin to develop and we will have to take measures as quickly and effectively as possible.

To find out if you are suffering from its ravages, look at the surface of the leaves: if you see white mycelium appearing and producing star-shaped cottony spots, it is time to act before the crop can lose up to 30% of its sugar/ha.

Red spider

Another pest affecting sugar beet is Tetranychus urticae or red spider mite. This is one of the most harmful mites because, under favorable conditions (30ºC and less than 50% humidity), it will grow considerably in number of individuals.

These nasty mites bite the plant cells and take their contents, causing the leaves, especially on the underside, to turn yellow while the nerves remain green. If they act for a long time, they will be wilted and will produce regrowth, with the consequent loss of weight and polarization of the plants affected.

What is the best option provided by AJF Products to kill beet pests?

In AJF Products we know the importance of killing beet pests as soon as the first symptoms appear. Therefore, we have developed a highly effective fungicide/acaricide product composed of 80% sulfur in liquid form: Azufega 80 LA.

Its preventive, curative and eradicating effect of the diseases produced by these pests, as well as its use in organic agriculture due to its null toxicity and the absence of negative effects on the environment will surprise you. If you need more information about this and other products, please contact us without any obligation, we will be glad to help you!

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

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