Understanding and Managing Rhizoctonia Solani in Sugarbeet

Abstract

Rhizoctonia crown and root rot of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is one of the most important production problems in Minnesota and North Dakota. Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of azoxystrobin to control R. solani at seed, cotyledonary, 2-leaf and 4-leaf stages of sugarbeet; compatibility, safety, and efficacy of mixing azoxystrobin with starter fertilizers to control R. solani; and the effect of placement of azoxystrobin in control of R. solani. Results demonstrated that azoxystrobin provided effective control applied in-furrow or band applications before infection at all sugarbeet growth stages evaluated; mixtures of azoxystrobin and starter fertilizers were compatible, safe, and provided control of R. solani; and azoxystrobin provided effective control against R. solani when placed in contact over the sugarbeet root or into soil close to the roots.