Kimberly Sugar Beet Germplasm Evaluated for Rhizoctonia Crown and Root Rot Resistance in Idaho, 2024

Rhizoctonia crown and root rot (RCRR) caused by Rhizoctonia solani leads to black rot on the surface of the sugar beet root and advances a short distance into the root. The black fungal rot typically allows other opportunistic organisms into the root, which can result in substantial bacterial rot. Considerable yield loss can occur unless crop protection measures are utilized. Therefore, new and novel germplasm sources of genetic resistance need to be identified and incorporated into commercial cultivars. This field study evaluates the RCRR resistance from 30 sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) lines from the USDA-ARS Kimberly sugar beet program during the 2024 growing season in southern Idaho. The study identified lines that can potentially be used by seed companies to improve the resistance to RCRR in sugar beet cultivars.