IDAHO: The Pacific Northwest Pest Alert Network has confirmed that Cercospora leaf spot and black bean aphids have been spotted in sugarbeet fields in the Wendell and Rupert areas of Idaho. The high humidity and high temperatures (77-95 degree days, 60+ degree nights) occurring this season are the conditions under which these issues often occur.

Cercospora Leaf Spot Identification and Control  

Cercospora leaf spot manifests itself as individual, circular spots. The spots initially appear light tan with a reddish outline, but as the disease worsens the spots coalesce and turn to a dark brown. Eventually, leaves will fall to the ground and remain attached to the crown – robbing sugarbeet growers of optimal yield.

To control Cercospora leaf spot, growers can turn to Inspire® XT fungicide. A combination of two trusted triazoles, Inspire XT provides a reliable, high level of Cercospora leaf spot control. Inspire XT offers quick rainfastness and flexible application options, easily fitting into any existing program.

Black Bean Aphid Identification and Control

Black bean aphids have pear-shaped, soft, olive green to black bodies with piercing/sucking mouthparts. They may or may not have wings, as explained by the University of Idaho. Symptoms include leaf curling and distortion (especially young leaves at the center of the crown) and leaf yellowing and wilting (first along the edges). Strong populations of beneficial insects can be helpful in managing this pest. The University of Idaho recommends that growers:

• Conserve natural enemies (lady beetle larvae and adults, lacewing larvae and adults, hover fly, parasitic wasps) by learning to recognize them and managing foliar insecticides
• Supplement food and habitat for natural enemies with “insectary plants” (alfalfa, buckwheat, clover, mint, vetch)

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