IDAHO

July 1, 1998

The following information is for sugar beets grown in the areas served by The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC and represents the 1997 crop consisting of 200,792 acres in Idaho, 9,700 acres in Oregon and 11,500 acres in Washington.

• The above area ranks second in the U.S. in the production of sugar beets.

• It produces 10 percent of the total U.S. sugar consumption.

• 6,021,372 tons of sugar beets valued in excess of $421 million were produced during the 1997 crop year on 221,992 acres.

• Production costs averaged about $700.00/acre with a range of $600 to $900 per acre.

The major growing area for sugar beets in Idaho is in the southern part of the state along the Snake River plain. Bingham, Power, Cassia, Minidoka, Twin Falls, Jerome, Blaine, Lincoln, Gooding, Elmore, Owyhee, Ada, Canyon, Washington, and Payette counties all depend on sugar beets as one of their major cash crops. Sugar beets are also grown in Malheur, Union, and Morrow counties in Oregon and Adams, Franklin and Benton counties in Washington.

The sandy loam soils along the Snake River Plain are ideal for the production of sugar beets. Under the arid conditions of this region irrigation is required to produce the crop. Irrigation, for the Idaho counties east of and including Elmore and Owyhee, is applied mainly by sprinkler. The western Idaho counties are predominantly furrow or surface irrigated. Sprinkler irrigation predominates in both the Oregon and Washington production areas. Cultivation is used on all beets for both weed control and soil tilth. Some pre-emergence herbicides are applied to control early germinating weeds, but low rate sequential banded application of post-emergence herbicides is fast becoming the weed control norm. Nearly all beets in the region are now planted to stand and require no hand thinning. One or two hoeings are often required to remove weeds that may escape herbicide treatments.

Integrated pest management (IPM) practices are an integral part of sugarbeet pest management. Tillage practices during seedbed preparation control many early germinating weeds. Post emergent herbicides are applied only as germinating weeds are identified, and then are applied on a band over the row which reduces the area treated to as little as one-third of the total acerage while at the same time minimizing grower costs. Between the row weed control is achieved through cultivation prior to the crop reaching full canopy cover. Insects are monitored throughout the growing season and insecticides are applied only as economic threshold levels are reached. We also have varieties planted that are resistant to some plant diseases.

Although a pesticide may be registered for several uses, the use figures presented herein are for application against the specific target pest noted. Where several pesticides are registered for use against the same pest, the one chosen is dependent upon other pests present and the activity range of the pesticide. The result is reduced total pesticide usage.

INSECT PESTS

This is the most serious insect pest throughout our growing area. If not controlled, root maggot causes very serious economic loss each year. The insect larvae overwinter in the soil and emerge as adult flies when the soil warms in the spring. The adults disperse to sugar beet fields where eggs are laid around newly emerging beet plants. The eggs hatch and resulting larvae feed on the young beet tap root, damaging the root and often killing the plant, thus reducing plant population and yield potential.

Integrated pest management (IPM) practices have been developed and are being followed in control of this pest. Sticky stakes are placed in sugarbeet fields to trap and monitor the emerging adult flies. Insecticide treatments are made only after fly populations have reached or exceeded economic threshold levels. Occasional, on a localized basis, storms or disruptive weather patterns can cause fly mortality or stretch out the emergence time resulting in delayed or sometimes no insecticide treatment. As with herbicides, insecticide treatment for root maggot control is applied in a band over the row resulting in only one third of each treated field receiving pesticide. Even by following the best practices available to control this pest its seriousness is such that without pesticide control when needed, sugar production in this region would conservatively be cut in half. Approximately 180,000 acres are treated each year for sugarbeet root maggot.

Temik 15G, Applied to about 34%of the acres. Application is made by soil injection at planting or at first cultivation at the rate of 8 to 13 lbs. per acre (1.2 to 2 lbs. active ingredients). It has a 90 day PHI.

Counter 20 C.R., Applied to about 22% of the acres. Only one application is made per year using either the modified in-furrow method at planting or banded in a 5 to 7 inch band over the row and lightly incorporated when flies reach the economic threshold level. 4.5 to 9 lbs. per acre is the rate used for either method.

Counter 15G, Used on about 14% of the acres, applied modified in-furrow at planting or banded over the row in a 5 to 7 inch band and lightly incorporated when flies reach the economic threshold level. Application rates vary from 6 to 12 lbs. per acre.

Thimet 20G, Applied to about 7% of the acres. Application is made post-emergence over the row at a rate of 5 to 7.5 lbs. per acre and lightly incorporated when flies reach the economic threshold level. 30 day PHI.

Furadan 4F, Applied to about 5% of the acres in a 4 to 5 inch band over the plant row. Moisture is needed after treatment to activate the Furadan 4F. Applications are made 4 to 7 days after flies reach the economic threshold level at a rate of 1 to 2 quarts per acre. 90 day PHI (State 24(c) label)

Lorsban 4E, Applied to about 1.0% of the acres in a 5 to 7 inch band over the row followed by light incorporation after flies reach the economic threshold level. Application rate is 1.33 to 2 pts per acre. 30 day PHI.

The most serious aphid on beets in our area is the Black Bean Aphid. This aphid tends to colonize in spots in the fields and is not a serious problem every year. But, on years with high populations, substantial yields losses can be incurred if the insect is not controlled. When aphid populations increase, the predator population also increases and IPM practices are followed by monitoring populations and only using insecticide treatments when predator control is inadequate. About 5,000 to 6,000 acres are treated each year.

Malathion 57EC, Applied on 1-2% of the acres. Fields are sprayed using 1.5 to 2 pints per acre. 3 day PHI.

Lannate, Applied to 1-3% of the acres. Applications are made when aphid population warrant, at a rate of 1/4 to 1 lb. per acre. 7 day PHI.

Temik 15G, Applied to 1-2% of the acres. Applied by drilling granules into the soil 1 to 3 inches below seed line at planting or by side-dressing on the water side of the beet row. The rate for both methods is 7 to 15 lbs. per acre. 90 day PHI.

Thimet 15G, Applied to 1-2% of the acres. Apply 6.5 to 10 lbs per acre over the row when plants are dry. Use the higher rate when foliage is dense for good coverage. 30 day PHI.

Thimet 20G, Applied to 1-2% of the acres. Apply 4.9 to 7.5 lbs. per acre over the row when plants are dry. Use the higher rate when foliage is dense. 30 day PHI.

Counter 15G, Applied to 1-2% of the acres by banding in a 5 to 7 inch band over the row and lightly incorporating at a rate of 8 oz. per 1000 ft row (11.9 lbs per acre.)

Counter C.R., Applied to 1-2% of the acres by banding over the row in a 5 to 7 inch band and lightly incorporating, at a rate of 3 to 6 oz. per 1000 ft. row (4.5 to 9 lbs. per acre.)

Metasystox R., Applied to 1-2% of the acres at a rate of 1.5 to 3 pints per acre by spraying on the foliage when insects are present. 30 day PHI. It can also be applied by chemigation following outlined chemigation regulations.

Phorate 20G, Applied to 2-5% of the acres at a rate of 4 7/8 to 7 1/2 lbs per acre. Apply to foliage when plants are dry. Use the higher rate when foliage is heavy. 30 day PHI.

NOTE: The usage numbers reported above represent an average of the past three years and the acres treated usually changes some from year to year. Also a treatment for one pest often gives control of a non-target pest such as a root maggot treatment also controlling aphids.

CUTWORMS

Cutworm infestations are very spotty, usually near field borders, and control measures generally consist of spot treating as opposed to treating the total field. IPM practices are employed by monitoring populations and treating only when economic threshold levels occur.

Around 4,000 to 5,000 acres are treated each year.

DiPel ES, Used on 1-2 % of the acres at a rate of 1 to 2 pints per acre. Apply to foliage in areas where insects appear. 0 days PHI.

Lorsban 4E, Applied to 2-4% of the acres as a spot treatment when insects appear. The rate is ½ to 2 pts. per acre. 30 day PHI.

Lannate, Applied to 1-2% of the acres at a rate of 1.5 pints per acre in areas where insects appear. 7 day PHI.

Sevin XLR Plus, Applied to 1-2% of the acres at a rate of 1.5 quarts per acre. Make application to foliage in areas where insects are present. 28 day PHI.

NOTE: The usage numbers reported above represent an average of the past three years and the acres treated usually changes some from year to year. Also, a treatment for one pest may give control of another such as a treatment applied for root maggot may also control cut worms.

Armyworms are a major problem in the western half of our beet growing area. Two main species, the Western Yellow Striped Armyworm and the Beet Armyworm, are the most prevalent. If left unchecked they can completely defoliate the beet plant. IPM practices are employed by monitoring populations and treating only when populations justify treatment.

Treated acres average around 7,000 to 8,000 per year.

DiPel ES, Applied to 1-2 % of the acres at a rate of 2 to 4 pints per acre. Application is made to foliage when insects reach economic threshold levels. 0 days PHI.

Lannate LV, Applied to 1-2% of the acres at a rate of 3/4 to 3 pints per acre to the foliage when insects reach economic threshold levels. 7 day PHI.

Lorsban 4E, Applied to 4-6% of the acres at a rate of 1 to 2 pints per acre to the foliage when insects reach economic threshold levels. 30 day PHI

Sevin XLR, Applied to 1-2% of the acres. Application is made to foliage when insects reach damaging levels, at a rate of 1 to 1.5 quarts per acre. Application can be repeated up to 4 times if necessary. 7 day PHI.

NOTE: The usage numbers reported above represent the average of the past three years and the treated acres usually changes some from year to year. Also, a treatment for one pest may control another such as, a control applied for root maggot may also control army worms.

Looper damage is confined mostly to the western part of our growing area. Although, not as damaging as armyworms, they can still create some economic losses if left uncontrolled. IPM is integrated with insecticide treatments by population monitoring.

In most cases loopers are controlled with the same treatments as armyworms. Around 2,000 to 3,000 acres are treated each year for looper control.

DiPel ES, Applied to 0-1% of the acres at a rate of 1 to 2 pints per acre. Application is made to foliage when insects reach economic threshold levels. 0 days PHI.

Sugar beet leafhoppers do very little damage to the crop by themselves. They, however, are a serious pest because they vector the Curly Top virus. Curly Top resistant varieties are used throughout the growing area and their use almost eliminates the need for chemical control. IPM practices are employed by having defined curly top zones and requiring that only those varieties be planted that have adequate curly top resistance for each specific zone. The following insecticides are registered for leafhopper control but are rarely used for that specific purpose.

Less than 1000 acres are treated each year specifically for leaf hopper control.

Counter 15G, Applied to -0- acres. The rate used is 4 to 8 oz. Per 1000 feet of row (5.95 to 11.88 lbs per acre), applied either as a modified in furrow at planting or banded over the row and lightly incorporated as a post-emergence treatment.

Counter 20 C.R., Used on -0- acres at a rate of 3 to 6 oz. Per 1000 feet row (4.5 to 9 lbs per acre). Application is made by either a modified in-furrow method at planting or banded over the row post-emergence and lightly incorporated.

Dibrom 8, Applied to -0- acres. Foliar application can be made by ground or air when insects are present. Application rate is 1 pint per acre. 2 day PHI.

Metasystox R., Applied to -0- acres at a rate of 1.5 to 3 pints per acre. Application is made by spraying on foliage when insects are present. Chemical can also be applied through the irrigation system if Chemigation restrictions are followed. 30 day PHI.

Sevin XLR Plus, Applied to -0- acres. Application is made to foliage when insects are present. The rate used is 1 to 1.5 quarts per acre. Applications can be repeated up to 4 times if necessary. 7 day PHI.

Temik 15G, Applied to -0- acres at a rate of 14 to 20 lbs per acre. Applications are make by banding the product 1 to 3 inches below the seed row before planting or side dressing granules to water furrow side of plant row post-emergence. 90 day PHI.

Thimet 15G, Applied to -0- acres at a rate of 6 oz. Per 1000 feet of row (8.9 lbs per acre). Application is made at planting by drilling granules to the side of seed row or banding over seed row. 30 day PHI.

Thimet 20G, Applied to -0- acres at a rate of 4.5 oz. per 1000 feet row ( 6.7 lbs per acre). Granules are drilled to the side of or placed in a band over the seed row. 30 day PHI.

Phorate 20G, Applied to -0- acres at a rate of 4.5 oz. per 1000 feet row (6.7 lbs per acre). Application is made by drilling to the side of row or broadcast at planting time. 30 day PHI.

This is a pest that usually does not cause serious damage, but has been a more severe problem in some of our growing areas the past couple of years and has required treatment. Eggs are laid on the underside of the leaf of small beets. After hatching the larvae enter the inside of the leaf and mine out the inner portion of the leaf, rendering it useless for photosynthesis. IPM is utilized by only treating when monitored populations reach economic threshold levels. About 12,000 to 15,000 acres are treated each year.

Temik 15G, Applied to 1-2% of the acres at a rate of 14 to 20 lbs per acre. Application is made by drilling granules 1 to 3 inches below seed line at planting or side dress granules on water furrow side of plant post-emergence just preceding irrigation. 90 day PHI.

Thimet 15G, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 6 oz. per 1000 feet row (8.9 lbs. per acre). Application is made by drilling granules to the side of seed or placing granules in a band over the row at planting time. 30 day PHI.

Thimet 20G, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 4.5 oz per 1000 feet of row (6.7 lbs per acre). Application is made by drilling granules to the side of seed or placing in a band over seed row at planting. 30 day PHI.

Diazinon AG 500, Applied to 6-7% of the acres at a rate of 3/4 to 1 pint per acre. Application is made by spraying on foliage when insect populations reach economic threshold levels. 14 day PHI.

Phorate 20G, Applied to 0.5-1% of the acres at a rate of 4.5 oz per 1000 feet row (6.7 lbs per acre). Application is made by drilling granules to the side of, or broadcasting over the row post emergence. 30 day PHI.

Red spider mite is a sporadic problem is some locations in the western part of our growing area.

IPM is utilized by monitoring populations of both mites and predators and only treating if predator control is inadequate. About 3,000 to 5,000 acres are treated each year for control of mites.

Dibrom 8, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1 pint per acre. Applications are made by ground or air when mites are present. 2 day PHI.

Malathion 57, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1.5 to 2 pints per acre. Application is made by spraying on foliage when mites are present. 3 day PHI.

Metasystox R., Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1.5 to 3 pints per acre. Application is made by spraying on foliage when insects are present. 30 day PHI. Can be applied by chemigation if chemigation regulations are followed.

Thimet 15G, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 6 oz per 1000 feet row (8.9 lbs per acre). Post-emergence applications can be made by applying to foliage when plants are dry. 30 day PHI.

Lorsban 4E, Applied to 1-2% of the acres at a rate of 2/3 to 1 pint per acre. Application is made by spraying on foliage when insects are present. 30 days PHI.

Thimet 20G, Used on 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 4.5 oz. per 1000 feet of row (6.7 lbs per acre). Post-emergence applications can be made by applying to foliage when plants are dry. 30 day PHI.

Phorate 20G, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 4.5 oz. per 1000 feet of row (6.7 lbs per acre). Post-emergence applications are made by applying to foliage when plants are dry. 30 day PHI.

Webworm is a problem in some locations of the state. Heavy infestations are usually localized, but in affected areas plants may become almost completely defoliated resulting in substantial yield loss. IPM is followed by monitoring populations and treating only as needed to prevent losses. Treatment averages 4,000 to 6,000 acres per year.

Dipel DF, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1/2 to 1 lb per acre. Application is made by spraying on foliage when insects appear. 0 days PHI.

Lorsban 4E, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at the rate of 1 to 2 pints per acre. Application is made to foliage when insects appear in sufficient members to cause economic damage. 30 day PHI.

Sevin XLR, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1 to 1 1/2 quarts per acre. Application is made to foliage when insects are present. 7 days PHI.

Thiodan 3EC, Applied to 0.5-1% of the acres at a rate of 1 to 1 1/3 quarts per acre. Applications are made to foliage when insect damage is noticed. 30 day PHI.

This is an insect that works below the soil surface attacking the germinating seed and/or the developing root. IPM practices are employed by treating only fields that have been identified with wireworm populations sufficient to cause crop loss. Wireworms have become a greater problem in recent years since the loss of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon insecticides. About 8,000 to 10,000 acres are treated each year for wireworm control.

Counter 15G, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 4 to 8 oz per 1000 feet row (6 to 12 lb per acre). Application is made by using the modified in-furrow method at planting time.

Counter C.R., Applied to 3-5% of the acres at a rate of 3 to 6 oz. per 1000 feet row (4.5 to 9 lbs per acre). Application is made by using the modified in-furrow method at planting time.

Dyfonate 4EC, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1 gal. per acre. Application is made by broadcast spraying before planting and incorporating with tillage equipment.

Dyfonate II 15G, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 27 lbs per acre. Application is made by broadcasting on soil before planting and incorporating with suitable tillage equipment.

Diazinon 50W, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 6 to 8 lbs per acre. Application is made by broadcasting with immediate incorporation just before planting.

Diazinon AG500, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 3 to 4 quarts per acre. Application is made by broadcasting on soil just before planting and incorporating immediately 4 to 6 inches deep. 14 day PHI.

NOTE: The usage numbers reported above represent an average for the past three years and the acres treated usually changes some from year to year. Also, a treatment for one pest may give control of another such as, a treatment for root maggot also controlling wire worm.

Grasshoppers can be a problem in some areas, especially in fields adjoining desert or waste

areas. As these areas dry up grasshoppers move into beet fields and begin feeding on the beets. In years when desert areas dry up early in the season grasshoppers are more likely to be an economic problem. IPM is utilized in grasshopper control by monitoring populations and spraying only when economic threshold levels are reached. Often only a side or part of the field containing the advancing grasshopper front is sprayed. Between 2,000 and 10,000 acres are treated each year for control of grasshoppers.

Diazinon 50W, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of l lb per acre. Application is made to foliage when insects are present. 14 day PHI.

Diazinon AG500, Applied to 0-0.5%of the acres at a rate of 1 pint per acre. Application is made to foliage when insects occur. 14 day PHI.

Lorsban 4E, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pint per acre. Higher rates are used for adult hoppers. Application is made by spraying on foliage when insects are present. 30 day PHI.

Malathion 57, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 3 pints per acre. Application is made by applying to foliage when insects are present. 30 day PHI.

Is sometimes a pest of newly emerging beets in the early stages of growth. IPM is employed in the control of this pest by field survey and treatment only when economic threshold levels are identified. About 1,000 acres are treated annually for flea beetle.

Lannate, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1/4 to 1 lb per acre. Application is made by spraying foliage when insects are present. 7 day PHI.

Lorsban 4E, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1 1/3 to 2 pints per acre. Application is made by spraying on foliage when insects are present. 30 day PHI.

Sevin XLR, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 1 to 1 1/2 quarts per acre. Application is made by spraying on foliage when insects occur. 7 day PHI.

NOTE: The usage numbers reported represent the average for the past three seasons and treated acres usually changes some from year to year. Also, a treatment for one pest may control another, such as, a treatment applied for root maggot may control flea beetle.

They are a spotty problem in some areas. The damage is mainly done to the germinating seed by entering and destroying the seed germ. Plant stands can be greatly reduced in areas of high symphylan population. IPM principles are utilized by monitoring populations and treating affected areas when economic thresholds are identified. About 1,000 to 2,000 acres are treated for symphylan.

Dyfonate 4EC, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 2 quarts per acre. Application is made prior to planting by broadcasting on soil and mechanically incorporating.

Dyfonate II 15G, Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 13.4 lbs per acre. Product is broadcast prior to planting and mechanically incorporated.

NEMATODES

There are three different species of nematodes that affect sugar beets. The most common being the Sugar Beet Cyst nematode. Cyst nematodes are present through out much of our beet growing area. Three to four year crop rotations are recommended to help manage populations, but in many areas treatment is still necessary. If unchecked, yield losses can be extremely high from sugar beet cyst nematode damage. Sugar beets are sometimes also affected by the root knot and the stubby root nematode. However, both of these are usually quite localized and normally do not represent too much of an economic threat. IPM concepts are followed by utilizing crop rotation, and by soil sampling suspect fields prior to planting to identify the quantity of nematode present in the soil. When populations are at or above the economic threshold level, either chemical treatments are applied or the field is planted to a non-host crop to extend the length of rotation. Approximately 15,000 to 25,000 acres are treated each year for nematode control.

Telone II, Applied to 3-5% of the acres at a rate of 18 to 20 gal per acre. Application is made by either plowing down or injecting to a depth of 8 inches and sealing the soil immediately.

Temik 15G, Applied to 3-5% of the acres at a rate of 27 to 33 lbs per acre total. Treatment is usually made in split applications of 14 to 20 lbs in a band preplant and incorporated into the soil followed by a second application applied by side-dressing into the soil on the water furrow side of the row preceding irrigation. The total of the two applications is not to exceed 33 lbs per acre.

WEEDS

The weed spectrum in sugar beets is so varied that weed control programs are tailored to fit the individual grower’s needs. The first flush of weeds in the spring is often controlled with mechanical tillage before planting. Chemical control consists of the use of a preplant or pre-emergence herbicide and/or the use of post emergent herbicides depending on the weed spectrum present. Weed control is IPM using mechanical tillage and specific herbicides for control of the weed species present. Almost all treatments are applied in a band over the row, and between the row weed control is achieved through cultivation prior to the crop reaching full canopy cover. This procedure reduces grower costs while at the same time minimizing the quantity of herbicide going on each field. Since most of the weed spraying is done post emergence, weeds are not sprayed until their presence has been identified in the field and the proper herbicide prescribed. The total of 223,000 acres are treated one or more times each year for control of weeds.

Roneet 6E, is a broad spectrum herbicide. Applied to 15-20% of the acres at a rate of 1/2 to 2/3 gal per acre. Applications can be made in either fall or spring. Fall applications should be made after October 15th or when soil temperatures cool down. At either application time the roneet is applied broadcast and incorporated immediately by mechanical tillage. It can also be applied at lay-by at a rate of ½ gallon per acre.

Nortron EC, A broad spectrum herbicide applied to 15-20% of the acres at a banded rate of 1 to 1 1/2 pints per acre. Application is made at planting by banding over the row followed by 1/2 inch of irrigation water to incorporate.

Pyramin DF, A broad spectrum herbicide applied to about 5% of the acres, at a rate of 1.5 to 1.7 lbs. per acre in a 7 inch band on 22 inch rows. Pyramin DF is usually used in a tank mix with Nortron EC to broaden the weed control spectrum. Application is made by banding over the row at planting followed by a light irrigation.

Betamix, A broad spectrum herbicide that usually is applied in 2 to 3 sequential applications of 7 to 12 fl. oz. in a 7 inch band per treatment. 75 days PHI. Applied to 10-12% of the acres one to three times.

Betamix Progress, This is a broad spectrum herbicide that is replacing Betamix in a lot of applications. The addition of ethofumesate with the Betamix makes it a little more effective on some of the harder to kill weed species. It does seem to be a little more phytotoxic on the beets so straight Betamix is preferred if weed species permit. Applied to 75-80% of the acres at a rate of 5 to 10 fl. oz. per acre in a 7-inch band per treatment. 75 days PHI.

Stinger, A broadleaf herbicide that is applied to about 40% of the acres. Stinger is normally used in conjunction with Betamix or Betamix Progress to enhance control of some harder to kill weed species such as, Canada thistle, nightshade, cockelbur, smartweed, and others. It is applied at a rate of 1.33 to 2.67 fl. oz. per acre in a 7-inch band per treatment. 105 days PHI.

Upbeet, A broadleaf herbicide applied to about 40% of the acres. Upbeet is used to improve control of weeds missed by Betamix. The main target weed is kochia. It is usually applied with Betamix in two sequential band applications at rates of 0.17 to 0.33 fl. oz. per acre in a 7-inch band each treatment.

Eptam 7E, Applied to 15-20% of the acres at the broadcast rate of 2 1/4 to 3 1/2 pints per acre. Usually used post-thinning as a layby treatment to control annual grasses and nightshade.

Poast, A grass herbicide applied to about 20% of the acres at a rate of 5.33 to 13.33 fl. oz. per acre in a 7-inch band. Wild Oats and volunteer grain are the main target weeds. 60 day PHI

Prism, A grass herbicide applied to about 5% of the acres at the rate of 4.33 to 5.67 fl. oz. per acre in a 7 inch band per treatment. Wild oats and volunteer grains are the main target weeds. 100 days PHI.

Assure II, A grass herbicide applied to 15-20% of the acres at the rate of 2 to 3.33 fl. oz. per acre in a 7-inch band. Wild oats and volunteer grains are the main target. 45 days PHI.

Roundup Ultra and Roundup Ultra RT, Broad spectrum herbicide applied to about 20% of the acres at the broadcast rate of 12 to 16 fl. oz. per acre. Used to control ground cover vegetation, volunteer grain and other weeds prior to beet emergence.

Treflan EC, Broadcast applied and lightly incorporated on 10-15% of the acres for layby weed control of broadleaf and grass weeds. Used at the broadcast rate of 1.0 to 1.5 pints per acre.

A selective host plant disease which infects sugar beets. Microscopic spores are carried to the beet plant by air currents. The spores on the beet leaf multiply and under ideal conditions a powdery film or mold can be visible in four to five days following infection. IPM is used in the management of this disease by using partially resistant varieties coupled with field monitoring to only apply treatments when economic threshold levels appear imminent.

Applied to 0-0.5% of the acres at a rate of 4 to 8 ounces per acre as a topical spray.

Liquid Sulphur 6, Applied as a overhead spray to about 15% of the acres at a rate of 2 to 4 quarts per acre. Applications are repeated at 2 to 4 week intervals if needed.

Sulphur Dust, Applied as a overhead dust treatment to plant foliage on 3-5% of the acres at a rate of 30 to 40 pounds per acre.

A virus disease that is transmitted and spread by the sugar beet leafhopper. IPM is the main control of this disease through the use of varieties that have been developed with resistance to Curly Top. The growing region is divided into zones based on the historic severity of the disease. Only those varieties of sugar beets are allowed to be planted that have been tested and demonstrated sufficient disease resistance for each specific zone.

Losses from seedling diseases are primarily caused by the fungi Pythium ultimum, Phoma betae and Rhizoctonia solani. Average seeding rate is 1.25 lb/acre, and all seed planted in the area is treated with a combination of Thiram 50W at 8 oz/100 lb seed plus Apron 50W at 1 oz/100 lb seed. All seed is treated by the seed companies outside the region then sold within the region for planting.

Rhizomania is considered the most serious disease of sugar beets worldwide, and continues to spread throughout the Idaho sugar beet growing area since its first diagnosis in 1992. The disease is caused by beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) and is vectored by the primitive soil fungus, Polymyxa betae. Both the primary pathogen and the vector are obligate parasites. The only chemical registered for control is the fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (Telone II), but none is used commercially because 1) it is cost prohibitive and 2) adequate disease management is achieved using IPM practices.

The disease is managed through a strict program of utilizing resistant varieties, long rotations with non-host crops, critical irrigation management, and cultural practices that reduce soil compaction and improve soil tilth and drainage.

Rhizoctonia root and crown rot, caused by the soil fungus Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the major causes of loss in sugar beets. No fungicides are registered for Rhizoctonia root rot control, and IPM practices are used for control. These practices are 1) a minimum 3-year rotation with non-host crops, 2) good weed control throughout the rotation, 3) eliminating practices that push soil into the plant crowns, 4) eliminating crop injury, 5) maintaining balanced nutrition, 6) eliminating soil compaction, 7) improving plant density, and 8) maintaining optimum soil moisture for sugar beet growth. Resistant varieties are not yet used extensively because the resistance is only partially effective and the varieties are weak in several other important agronomic characteristics such as yield, sugar content, purity and curly top virus resistance.

Cercospora leaf spot, a foliar disease caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola, is only of minor importance in this region. In a few isolated locations where the disease has caused loss, growers follow an IPM program that includes 1) a minimum 3-year crop rotation, 2) planting more than 100 yards from fields infected the year previous, 3) reducing inoculum by plowing to bury infected plant material and 4) protective fungicide application only when disease is increasing and an average 0.5% (12 spots/leaf) of the leaf surface is infected. A maximum 300 acres are treated once each year with one of the following fungicides: Super Tin 80WP(150 acres) at 5.0 oz/acre or Dithane M-45 (150 acres) at 2.0 lb/acre.

Caused by Erwinia carotovora subsp. betavasculorum, this is the only important bacterial pathogen of sugar beet. Losses are infrequent and sporadic, and control is only through use of IPM practices, including 1) resistant varieties, 2) avoiding plant injury, 3) avoiding excessive nitrogen applications and 4) avoiding excessive irrigation.

FQPA - Idaho Sugarbeet Pesticide Use Assessment Contributors

The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC

Del Traveller, Manager of Agricultural Services

Mini Cassia District

Agricultural Manager -- DeLyle Bennett

Agronomist -- Alvin Keller

Fieldmen -- Walt Adams

Dave Elison

Stacey Camp

Gordan Hardcastle

Shawn Holdaway

Clark Millard

Jeff Schow

Jim Chapman

Darwin Jensen

John Schorr

Nampa District

Agricultural Manager -- Leon Blacker

Agronomist -- Dennis Searle

Fieldmen -- Terry Cane

Ernie Corder

George Schroeder

Larry Dean

Nyssa District

Agricultural Manager -- Gilbert Wells

Agronomist -- Dennis Searle

Fieldmen -- Howard Binford

Don Bowers

Bob Huffaker

Darryl Seuell

Bill Wahlert

Twin Falls District

Agricultural Manager -- Len Kerbs

Agronomist -- Steve Lund

Fieldmen -- Jerry Dickard

Greg Dean

Bill McAllister

Dave Chestnut

Vaughn Casdorph

University of Idaho, Twin Falls Research and Extension Center

Dr. John J. Gallian, Extension Sugarbeet Specialist

Dr. Don Morishita, Extension Weed Scientist

Dr. Robert Stoltz, Extension Entomologist

Additional References

Bechinski, E. J., R. L. Stoltz, and J. J. Gallian. Integrated pest management guide for sugarbeet root maggot. University of Idaho Current Information Series No. 999.

Pacific Northwest Insect Control Handbook. 1998. G. Fisher, J. DeAngelis, C. Baird, R. Stoltz, L. Sandvol, A. Antonelli, and E. Beers eds. Oregon State University

Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Control Handbook. 1998. J.W. Pscheidt and C. M. Ocamb, eds. Oregon State University.

Pacific Northwest Weed Control Handbook. 1998. R.D.William, D. Ball, T. L. Miller, R. Parker, J. P. Yenish, T.W. Miller, C. Eberline, G.A. Lee, and D. Morishita, eds. Oregon State University.