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Minnesota/North Dakota
 

Minn-Dak Growing Region

The Minn-Dak sugarbeet growing region consists of acreage in the southern end of the Red River Valley, in western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota.

Contacting Us

In this growing region, Crystal® brand sugarbeet seed is distributed exclusively through the Minn-Dak Growers Cooperative agricultural staff. These agriculturists are the contacts when ordering and purchasing Crystal® brand sugarbeet seed. They have information regarding variety traits, availability, seed treatments, and pricing. Agriculturists contact list

The ACH Seeds contact for this growing region is Dave Braaten, National Market Manager, who lives in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Prior to joining ACH Seeds, Dave worked as an agriculturist for American Crystal Sugar Company and as a crop consultant. Dave is anxious to share his knowledge and many years of sugarbeet experience. He can be reached at 877-769-0196 or dbraaten@achseeds.com.


Primary Sugarbeet Diseases and Pests Affecting Sugarbeet Production

  1. Aphanomyces - This disease is most often a problem at the seedling stage when wet and warm conditions are present. It also can attack more mature plants later in the growing season under similar conditions. Tachigaren® is a fungicide available as a seed treatment for the seedling disease and is available as a seed treatment on specific GemCoat® varieties. On-farm trials, where Tachigaren is used for seedling Aphanomyces, also demonstrate the ability to keep plants healthy and more likely to fight off late season Aphanomyces. Although not required, many Crystal brand varieties offer good to excellent tolerance.
  2. Cercospora - This disease normally appears in late July and continues through early September. Variety tolerance is a major crop management tool and a significant level of tolerance is required by the approval systems. Some varieties offer tolerance much higher than the minimal levels required for approval. Fungicides are available as a means of control.
  3. Rhizomania – This virus is transmitted by a fungus that thrives in wet soil. Symptoms of rhizomania can show up as yellow areas within a sugarbeet field. Within infected areas, stands are usually erect and leaves may have narrow blades and a bright, yellow color. Affected roots have tufting or bearded growth on the lateral roots or in severe cases on the main tap root. When sliced open with a knife, roots have darkened or straw color vascular rings. Planting tolerant varieties is recommended.
  4. Fusarium - Fusarium is a root disease caused by a fungus present in the soil. This disease has been reported in the western areas of the United States, India, and some European countries. Crop rotation is frequently recommended. Additionally, some Crystal brand varieties offer tolerance to this disease and planting tolerant varieties is recommended.
Please refer to the "Compendium of Beet Diseases and Insects" for additional information about sugarbeet pests and diseases.


Crystal® Brand Sugarbeet Seed Varieties offered in the Minn-Dak Growing Area.

Our new-generation varieties are among the top-performing varieties in coded Official Variety Trials as well as on-farm trials. Varieties offered for the 2006 growing season provide growers with increased disease tolerance, pest resistance, and very good recoverable sugar per acre.

Varieties

Crystal RR539 - Roundup Ready®
    • A high quality variety offering very strong disease tolerance
    • Moderate Cercospora tolerance
    • Excellent Aphanomyces tolerance
    • Excellent Fusarium tolerance

Crystal RR658 - Roundup Ready®
    • Highest yielding ACH Roundup Ready variety
    • Excellent Aphanomyces tolerance
    • Excellent Cercospora tolerance
    • Good Fusarium tolerance
    • The best varietal package for disease resistance

Crystal R357 - Introduced in 2007
    • A Rhizomania – Aphanomyces Specialty variety
    • Moderate Cercospora tolerance
    • Good F
    • Above a
    • A variety that combines strong performance with good disease tolerance

Crystal R454 - Introduced in 2006
  • A Rhizomania – Aphanomyces Specialty Test Market variety
  • A diploid rhizomania tolerant variety with above average RSA
  • Moderate Cercospora tolerance
  • Very good Aphanomyces rating
  • Very good Fusarium tolerance


Contacting Us

National Market Manager
Dave Braaten dbraaten@achseeds.com
877-769-0196

MinnDak Growers Cooperative – Click here to contact your local agriculturist