The sugarbeet root maggot is a big problem for sugarbeet growers in the Red River Valley this year. According to NDSU Extension Entomologist Mark Boetel, the pests are feeding in fields right now. Under-protected fields will start showing signs of stress. “You’ll see plants wilting during the hot part of the day. Canopies may not close as soon as they should.” This is the first year sugarbeet growers did not have chlorpyrifos to help control the sugarbeet root magoot. Without the active ingredient, Boetel is concerned about population management heading into 2023.
