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Beet Yellow Stunt, a Potentially Destructive Virus Disease of Sugar Beet and Lettuce. James E. Duffus, Plant Pathologist, Plant Science Research Division, ARS, USDA, United States Agricultural Research Station, Salinas, California 93901; Phytopathology 62:161-165. Accepted for publication 27 August 1971. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-62-161.

Beet yellow stunt, a potentially destructive yellows-type virus disease of sugar beet and lettuce, is recognized as being distinct from other yellowing diseases affecting these crops. Sowthistle is the principal reservoir host of the virus and of the most efficient vector, Nasonovia lactucae. The disease is widespread and abundant on this host in California throughout the year. Spread in susceptible crops tends to be marginal; i.e., the disease incidence is high in rows adjacent to areas where sowthistle is prevalent, but becomes progressively less with increased distance from the virus source. Host range of the virus seems limited, but it can induce serious damage to infected sugar beet and lettuce. The virus has not been transmitted mechanically or by seed, but is transmitted in a semipersistent manner by N. lactucae, Myzus persicae, and Macrosiphum euphorbiae.