Erwinia

Erwinia carotovora subsp. betavasculorum 

Identification
  • Erwinia root rot is caused by a bacteria
  • It is a warm weather disease found mostly in the Western US
  • Can be confused with Rhizoctonia

 

Detection

  • Early symptoms include black streaks running up the petioles and froth from the crowns
  • Diagonal cut beets will turn pink or red when exposed to air
  • Starts in the crown or petioles and rots down from the inside out
  • Previously injured or weak beets are susceptible to infection
  • The disease requires an infection point
  • Hail or tearing from cultivation are the most common causes of an infection point
  • Infection is associated with a strong alcohol/fermentation smell emanating from the beet.

 

Control

  • Plant tolerant varieties
  • Prevent injuries to beet
  • Judicious use of nitrogen
  • Avoid throwing or splashing of soil into crowns