Seed Treatments, In-furrow Fungicides, and In-furrow Biocontrol Agents in Sugar Beet for the Control of Rhizoctonia Crown and Root Rot in Northwest Minnesota, 2025

Rhizoctonia solani causes seedling damping-off and root and crown rot of sugar beet in the midwestern United States. Damping-off leads to stand loss, while infections later in the season result in reduced yield due to root rot and poor quality. A field trial was conducted at the University of Minnesota, Northwest Research and Outreach Center in Crookston to evaluate the efficacy of seed treatments, in-furrow fungicides, and biocontrol agents for managing Rhizoctonia diseases in sugar beet. Treatments were applied to a moderately susceptible sugar beet variety (Beta vulgaris ‘Crystal 793RR’). Results from this trial provide region-specific information to sugar beet growers on management strategies for Rhizoctonia diseases.