An in-field heat treatment to reduce Cercospora beticola survival in plant residue and improve Cercospora leaf spot management in sugarbeet.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Sugarbeets account for 55 to 60% of U.S. sugar production. Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), primarily caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora beticola, is a major foliar disease of sugarbeet. Since leaf tissue is a primary site of pathogen survival between growing seasons, this study evaluated management strategies to reduce this source of inoculum.

Methods

Fall- and spring-applied treatments were evaluated over three years at two study sites. Treatments included standard plowing or tilling immediately post-harvest, as well as the following alternatives to tillage: a propane-fueled heat treatment either in the fall immediately pre-harvest or in the spring prior to planting, and a desiccant (saflufenacil) application seven days pre-harvest. After fall treatmen

SUBMITTER: Hernandez AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10204640 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature