Plant Symptoms

One of the first indications of damage could be a pale yellowing of leaves (Photo 1) and a higher number of weeds (Photo 2) as a result of the reduced competitiveness of the beet plant.

From June onwards patches of the crop are more prone to wilting (Photo 3), but recover after rainfall or in cooler night-time conditions.

Plants subjected to heavier BCN infection levels show stunted growth (Photo 4). The outer leaves yellow and die and new leaves are small.

Main roots are shortened and take on a bearded appearance developing a host of laterals as the plant tries to compensate (Photo 5).

The most obvious, clear indication of BCN attack is the appearance of cysts on infected roots.  The cysts are pin-head size and therefore can be seen with the naked eye (Photo 6).