Diseases

Powdery Mildew — Fodder Beet

Beta vulgaris Fodder Beet Group

A fungal disease of fodder beet caused by the obligate biotroph Erysiphe betae, which leads to yellowing and senescence of leaves, reducing root yield and quality.

In the reference 15 varieties crop Mangelwurzel, where this is mentioned in the description.

The causal agent of powdery mildew on fodder beet is the fungus Erysiphe betae. Initial symptoms appear as small, white, web-like spots on the underside of older leaves. As the infection progresses, the mycelial growth spreads, covering both sides of the leaf blade, becoming dense and developing a powdery appearance.

The impact of the pathogen on the plant involves chlorosis of the tissue and premature foliage senescence, which impairs the plant's assimilation capacity and reduces root mass accumulation. In the second half of the growing season, the fungus forms fruiting bodies—cleistothecia—appearing as brown and eventually black specks on the mycelium. Specific races of the pathogen or official resistance genes for fodder beet varieties have not been identified at this time, and resistance is assessed primarily through phytopathological screening.

General information about the subject — on the page Powdery mildew.

Sources8

Varieties of Mangelwurzel mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.