Local sugarbeet growers are planning to use a different mode of action to control sugarbeet root maggot this year. Chlorpyrifos is typically used to control the pest, but the EPA banned the use of the product. According to American Crystal Sugar Company General Agronomist Joe Hastings, sugarbeet root maggot counts were some of the highest ever for the American Crystal growing area last year. “In 2022, we’re going to have to be proactive using alternative tools. They may not as effective, but they will help with the problem,” said Hastings. “Counter insecticide is one of our recommendations at planting. It’s not as convenient as seed treated insecticides, but more effective. The seed treatments only provide suppression to root maggot feeding, where Counter provides more control, but it’s not as convenient. The other thing we’re looking at is our post-control alternatives.”
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