The Cercospora leafspot fungus feeds on the sugar beet's sap, infecting
portions of outer (older) leaves first. Subsequent loss of the whole leaf
(or large leaf portions) interferes with normal root growth and sugar accumulation;
decreased photosynthetic capacity lowers yield and sugar content. These are
further lowered by energy expended to grow new leaves. The unnatural demand
upon the sugar beet for new foliage prevents normal root development and
sugar storage. This results in reduced yield, sugar content and juice purity of
the root.
The Sugarbeet Advancement Committee is proud to present you with the 12th
edition of the "Sugarbeet on Farm Research and Demonstration Report." This document
is a compilation of research involving new varieties, products, production practices, and
other issues that are important to improving sugarbeet management. The 24 member
Advancement Committee is active in determining priorities. This year 31 trials were
established in Michigan and Ontario and only two were abandoned due to adverse
weather that made results unreliable.