Heat and Moisture Could Challenges Emergence in Sugarbeets

Sugarbeet seeding throughout the Red River Valley is mostly finished. NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist and Sugarbeet Specialist Eric Branch says growers should keep an eye on their sugarbeets as they emerge. “We’ve had a few days of really intense heat, and of course, that could have an impact on germinating seedlings as they push up to the ground and are exposed to extra temperature right at the soil level. There are wind and disease concerns, as well. Plant diseases, particularly rhizoctonia, if there’s some ponding and standing water, could cause issues. There’s an increased risk for that particular disease, should we see some increased moisture.”