Know How / Sugar beet

Sugar beet is seeing a resurgence, however, sugar markets remain tough. Our sugar beet page aims to help you grow a more profitable crop in the face of rising inputs. This is your starting point for addressing challenges such as the rising pest and disease threat, keeping weeds in check, exploring precision farming and protecting the environment.

Key areas of focus:

  • Getting establishment right
  • Planning fungicide strategy
  • Assessing fertiliser requirements
  • Keeping on top of blackgrass

Latest sugar beet Know How articles

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

Fertiliser buying advice as Iran conflict squeezes supplies

Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz amid the US‑Iran conflict has stalled one-third of global urea trade, triggering pressure on UK fertiliser supplies. The situation is fluid and volatile, and…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Key sugar beet disease forecasts a moderate to high risk

The virus yellows forecast suggests moderate to high infection risk in 2026, particularly in eastern factory regions. Carried out by Rothamsted Research, the models based on January-February temperatures indicate earlier…

PEST MANAGEMENT

How odour, sound and vibrations can control crop pests

Could weaponising odour, sound or microbes found naturally on crop leaves be the solution to some of the toughest pest challenges growers face?  From scent-based repellents that disguise crops from…

WEED MANAGEMENT

Advice on sugar beet weed control for summer 2026

Good crop ground cover will be key to managing herbicide costs in sugar beet this year, after dry conditions affected weed control programmes in 2025. Sugar beet growers should have…

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