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SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -- Electronics is the new weapon being used to
ward off a fungus that threatens to damage sugar beets in the
Nebraska Panhandle and eastern Wyoming.
Small electronic data monitors have been placed in local sugar
beet fields to detect the temperatures and moisture that encourage
growth of the cercospora leaf spot fungus.
The fungus affects growth in beet plants. Infested leaves appear
burned. The brown spot has a tiny black center where the spore is
located and spreads from.
"Without the leaves, the plant cannot transport nutrients.
This reduces tonnage, sucrose content, and just causes an unhealthy
plant in general," said Scot Blehm, the scientist conducting
the field tests through the University of Nebraska Panhandle
Research and Extension Center.
The boxes used to detect the fungus are located under the canopy
of beet leaves. The equipment is used to help growers keep
cercospora under control. There is no way to eliminate cercospora
once it has infected the plant.
Blehm said the data log tests started in early July and run until
mid-September. The readings are recorded every hour, on the hour, 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
The 9 a.m. readings from the data recorders are used to determine
the infection values every 48 hours. Blehm said the information is
forwarded to 35 outlets, including the media, local sugar companies,
and other agri-businesses.
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