Beet Scab

Raised warty or scab-like growths on the beet root with cracking between the scabs.

Control

1. Avoid soils with a history of potato scab.
2. Rotate with grass or cereals.
3. The disease occurs most commonly in dry soils. Frequent, light irrigation will reduce infection but care must be taken not to encourage excessive growth which can result in oversized and cracked roots, causing serious damage to the crop.

Black Root Rot

This fungal disease, which is closely related to the one causing black root of radish, may cause an early seedling blight resembling post-emergence damping-off. Later in the season, if wet conditions occur, a black decay may develop on mature roots.

Control

1. Avoid growing beets in poorly-drained fields.
2. Rotate with other crops such as corn, cereals or unrelated vegetables.
3. Use fungicide-treated seed.
4. Delay seeding until soil has warmed up in the spring.
5. Use tolerant beet varieties.

Boron Deficiency

Beets have a high boron requirement. A deficiency causes black cankers in roots.

Control

See Nutrient Management section of this guide. Do not plant cucumbers on soil that has been treated with boron.