Rhizomania

Rhizomania is a plant disease of the Chenopodiaceae family caused by the development of a virus called BNYVV (Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus), which is introduced and transmitted by the soil fungus Polymyxa betae.

Rhizomania is a virus disease which may cause heavy losses in yield and quality.

Symptoms

• Patchy yellowing of beet leaves in the field

• Long petioles, narrow leaf blade

• Stunting and development of a root beard

• Browning of the vascular bundle rings after cutting

Additional characteristic

• Increased sodium content

• Reduced sugar content

• Reduced amino-nitrogen content

• Yield loss

Evidence of the disease: ELISA test in the laboratory

A chemical control of Rhizomania is not possible, the only useful measure at present is the growing of  tolerant varieties. A permanent solution to the problem of controlling Rhizomania can only be obtained by resistance breeding and may be achieved by genetic engineering.