Beta Plant Introductions from the USDA-ARS NPGS Evaluated for Resistance to Cercospora beticola in East Lansing 2022

Abstract

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora beticola, is a devastating foliar disease in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) leading to yield loss. CLS is characterized by small, tan-brown to gray necrotic spots with darker borders present on the foliage. This report evaluates field data of genetically diverse sugar beet, listed in this study as lines, accessions, or plant introductions (PIs) inoculated with CLS to identify PIs that exhibit differing disease resistance compared to susceptible and resistant check lines. This trial was conducted in 2022 at the Saginaw Valley Research and Education Center farm near Frankenmuth, MI. Results from these trials will help identify lines of potential interest for further development of host resistance for disease management.