B-979R

Rhizomania of Sugar Beets

By Gary Franc, University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service plant pathologist,
Eric Kerr, University of Nebraska CES plant pathologist,

William Brown, Jr., Colorado State University CES plant pathologist,

and Jack Riesselman, Montana State University CES plant pathologist.

May 1997

Rhizomania, also known as “crazy root” or “root madness,” is one of the most serious diseases of sugar beets. It can greatly reduce sugar yield by curbing either the root tonnage, sugar content, or both. Losses to producers also can also result when the movement of agricultural products is restricted by quarantine laws. Rhizomania of Sugar Beets discusses the symptoms, disease cycle and diagnosis, and control measures.