Using the Soil-Tray Technique to Predict the Incidence of Sclerotium Rot in Sugar Beets. P. A. Backman, Department of Botany, Plant Pathology, and Microbiology, Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849. R. Rodríguez-kábana, Department of Botany, Plant Pathology, and Microbiology, Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849; M. C. Caulin, Arinsa Sugar Refining Co., E. Beltramini, Rausa Sugar Refining Co., and N. Ziliani, Azucarlito Sugar Refining Co., Montevideo, Uruguay. Plant Dis. 65:419-421. Copyright 1981 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-65-419.

Regression equations were developed to relate populations of viable sclerotia in field soil and in truck tare soil to the percentage of sugar beet roots infected by Sclerotium rolfsii. By analyzing truck tare soil, the sugar beet processor can recommend appropriate rotations when loss thresholds are exceeded. Alternatively, the processor can analyze field soil to determine whether sugar beets can be planted safely the following season.

Keyword(s): Beta vulgaris, crop losses, soil sampling.