2026 sugarbeet disease forecast 

Sugarbeet leaf diseases have been a major topic of discussion for producers the last couple of years, and that’s not expected to change in 2026. Dr Ashok Chanda of the University of Minnesota-Crookston explains how leaf diseases affected the Red River Valley last year, and what that could mean for the crop in 2026. 

For this reason, Chanda says it’s going to be important for sugarbeet producers to spray for leaf diseases early. 

While not as prevalent, some producers in the Red River Valley have seen an uptick in root diseases, and Chanda says it’s important for producers to be aware of, and checking for it. 

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