Southern Minnesota Growing Region

The Southern Minnesota growing region consists of sugarbeet acreage in the southern region of Minnesota.

Contacting Us

In this growing region, Crystal® brand sugarbeet seed is distributed exclusively through the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative (SMBSC) agricultural staff. These agriculturists are your contact when 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. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   

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 SMBSC Growing Area.

Our new-generation varieties have been 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.

Crystal RR201 - Roundup Ready®

• Good recoverable sugar per ton
• Moderate Cercospora tolerance
• Excellent Aphanomyces tolerance
• A good quality beet with real potential for the SMBSC area

Contacting Us

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

Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative – Click here contact your local agriculturist