Observations on sugarbeet root penetration by Heterodera betae and its development during two crop growing seasons in Italy

Abstract

Investigations were undertaken during 2000 and 2001 at two localities in Piedmont to study the life cycle of Heterodera betae on sugarbeet. The invasion of roots occurred in both fields at the same mean soil temperature of 8 - 9°C, but the life cycle of H. betae differed markedly during the two seasons characterized by different climatic conditions. During the first year at S. Michele the climatic conditions resulted warmer and moister than those recorded at Solero during the second year of sugarbeet culture. In 2000 H. betae completed four generations, the reproduction rate was 199 and the yield obtained of only 400 quintals/ha while in 2001 there were only three generations and the reproduction rate was 46 with sugarbeet yield increase of 45%.