Sugarbeets are handling this summer’s heat better than many crops because of their deep taproot. However, NDSU Extension Sugarbeet Specialist Eric Branch said the dryness is still taking a toll in parts of the Red River Valley. “A lot of leaves are lying flat because the plants simply can’t keep up with water loss,” Branch said. “Any root diseases that were already present are also becoming much more noticeable because the plants can’t draw enough moisture.” Branch said growers can clearly see where July rains fell because those fields continue to perform much better.
