Sugar Producer

Contents DEPARTMENTS 6 Sweet Talk From the Editor 8 Calendar What’s happening 10 Off the Top News, products, people and updates 12 ASGA by Luther Markwart 22 From the ASA by Phillip Hayes FEATURES 9 Slingshot A new approach to precision ag 13 Glyphosate Induced Hidden Hunger A glimpse into nutrient loss 14 Grower Feature The Paul and Becky Robertson family in Paul, ID 20 REACh For The Stars Q & A with Steve Poindexter, MSU sugarbeet specialist 03.2010 17 Disease Check Cover Story: Some plant diseases may be managed through altering cultural practices but many diseases are only managed acceptably with the application of a fungicide. Sugarbeet powdery mildew is a disease that cultural practices have little or no effect. Root rots are the most important limiting factor for production of sugarbeets in many growing areas. Rhizomania is considered a serious disease of sugarbeets worldwide. It had been thought that the disease would not become an important problem in the cooler, northern tier of states where sugarbeets are grown, but experience has made it clear that this is not the case. It has been detected and is a problem in California, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and the Red River Valley. Notice the absence of weeds when looking out over a beet field as it used to be the biggest problem, not so with the Roundup Ready seed. Preparing for disease management is now top priority. Pictured above: John J. Gallian, retired University of Idaho extension sugarbeet specialist, has been instrumental in detecting and diagnosing disease in Idaho. 4 Sugar Producer APRIL 2010

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