Mangold fly larvae damage has been reported in sugar beet crops in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The cold, wet conditions earlier in the year slowed the growth of sugar beet plants and reduced the efficacy of seed treatments commonly used to control the pest, also known as leaf miner.

Mangold flies lay their eggs on the sugar beet plant which then hatch into larvae that attack the leaves, potentially harming yields.

Growers are advised to be on the look out for any signs of damage, such as telltale brown blistering on leaves.

“If growers think seed treatments have been compromised they could consider treating with a foliar pesticide,” says Mark Stevens, head of crop protection at Brooms Barn Research Station.

However, he advises that the current weather conditions mean plants are more likely to grow away from any damage and after the eight-leaf stage should be resistant to any threat.

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