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New partnership aims to control viral infection levels by monitoring transmission

While mid-May's cooler weather saw lower early aphid counts in sugar beet crops, late-drilled crops are likely to present an easy target for aphid colonisation and challenges for insecticide targeting

A root crops update from Hutchinsons agronomist, Daryll Shailes

Beet growers could face a virus epidemic on the scale of 2020, with aphids expected to be flying into new crops as they emerge

With autumn drilling approaching, growers are warned of the heightened BYDV risk due to the green bridge

Several crop pests, including aphids, cabbage stem flea beetle and a less common pest, the lucerne flea, are making the most of the warm weather

With aphid activity increasing and many sugar beet crops behind because of delayed drilling, the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) is advising growers to monitor crops and review aphicide options.

Delays to sugar beet planting could increase the risk of virus yellows infection at early crop growth stages, where emergence coincides with warmer weather and greater aphid pest activity.