Beet rust

Beet rust (BR) is a foliar disease caused by the fungus Uromyces beticola. Heavy infection cuts bulb yield.

 

Identification

BR produces orange-brown pustules on both surfaces of beet leaves, sometimes in a circular pattern. In some cultivars, lesions surround the pustule.

 

Rust pustules on a fodder beet leaf.

 

Importance

Typically not a major problem in feed crops. Infection is restricted to older leaves. However, under prolonged moist, mild weather, BR can cause substantial leaf damage and DM yield loss.

 

Spread

U. beticola survives between crop cycles on infected plants (mostly volunteers) and in crop debris. Spores are produced in spring and transported by wind.\

 

Management

Control volunteers. Fungicides are available.