Abstract
Sugarbeet Root Maggots, Tetanops myopaeformis is an insect pest of Sugarbeet that has caused increased production challenges in several growing regions. The main areas of concern where growers have seen economic loss are Northeastern North Dakota, Northwestern Minnesota, Wyoming/Colorado, and Idaho. Root Maggot’s reduce plant stands, plant vigor and can cause a significant reduction of grower yield and profit. With uncertainty year to year on key insecticides being registered for use and the longevity that they will be available to use as a tool to control SBRM in the future has caused concern for growers. In addition to spraying insecticide and other common practices, growers are also reliant on Sugarbeet insecticide seed treatments to help with control. United Beet Seeds recognizes the importance and continued need for SBRM tolerant hybrids and is actively placing emphasis on our SBRM breeding program to address the growing concern of Root Maggots throughout the US. A combination of line development and line evaluation has taken place in the Red River Valley and is showing positive results for improved SBRM tolerance in United Beet Seed varieties. We plan to continue these research efforts to bring our growers the best hybrids possible for years to come.