What Is Eating My Ungrown Beetroot?

Identification

• Sugarbeet root maggots live in the soil, where they feed on beet roots causing extensive damage to plants and thus reduce crop yields. The adult form of sugarbeet root maggots are flies, which begin to fly during the month of May. The larvae live 12 to 18 inches beneath the soil surface and are responsible for the damage to plants. Root maggots are common pests of onions, beets, broccoli and a multitude of other vegetable plants.

Life Cycle

• Adult root maggot flies lay their eggs at the base of plants, near the soil line. Once these eggs hatch, the larvae move beneath the soil where they feed on growing plant roots for two to four weeks. Root maggots have two or three generations each year, but the first generation causes the majority of damage to plants.

Signs And Symptoms

• Beets infested with root maggots often have brown tunneling scars on the roots of infested plants. Once root systems are damaged, proper nutrients cannot be delivered to plants, causing plants to turn yellow. Root maggots cause infested plants to appear unhealthy and plants may die from root injuries from large numbers of feeding larvae.

Control

• Treating the soil before planting your beets is the best way to prevent root maggot infestations. According to North Dakota State University, applying diazinon to the soil can control root maggot infestations. Products containing diazinon are most effective when used in granule form. Retreating beets is necessary three to four weeks after the initial application. Always follow the directions on the product label for maximum effectiveness and safety.