B-1029R

Sugar beet nematode (SBN) is one of the most destructive pests of sugar beets worldwide and is present in all sugar beet growing areas of Wyoming. This soilborne, parasitic nematode attacks and destroys the small feeder roots of sugar beet plants, which causes severe stunting and as much as 50 percent yield loss.

Trap crops: A promising alternative for sugar beet nematode control discusses ways of sustaining sugar beet production and alternative SBN control methods. While nematicides and soil fumigants are important control tools, non-chemical alternatives?such as trap crops?will be needed to sustain sugar beet production.

The authors note, “One of the goals of sustainable agriculture is to explore alternative pest control strategies, thus reducing risk to humans and to the environment.”