A new method to validate and compare varietal resistance and yield tolerance of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) against the beet cyst nematode, Heterodera schachtii Schmidt.

Background: Beet cyst nematode, Heterodera schachtii Schmidt is a global threat to sugar beet crops, and is found in every major sugar beet growing region. Annual losses due to this nematode can be severe, being estimated at €90 m in Europe alone in the 1990s. Fortunately tolerant, resistant and partially resistant varieties have since been introduced which help to limit yield loss and are now widely being deployed in infested fields.

Evaluating resistant brassica trap crops to manage Heterodera schachtii (Schmidt) infestations in eastern England.

Background: The beet cyst nematode (BCN), Heterodera schachtii Schmidt, is a plant parasitic nematode that causes severe yield losses in sugar beet. Resistant brassicas (radish and mustard) have been bred to be planted after harvest of the main crop, for example a cereal, and encourage BCN juvenile hatching. The resistant plants stimulate juvenile hatching but are not suitable hosts.