In 1996, Nebraska reported three new finds of rhizomania, but no new counties or sections were involved. This disease is a combination of a fungus Polymyxa betae and the beet necrotic yellow vein virus. At this time three Nebraska counties (Morrill, Scotts Bluff and Sioux) have reported rhizomania.

This disease causes a proliferation of root hair growth, stunting, and yellowing, resulting in a reduced sugar content and yield loss to sugar beets. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is working with the potato certification program to assure that seed potatoes shipped out of Nebraska conform to the requirements of states that don't have rhizomania.

You can learn more about rhizomania in sugar beets by accessing "Rhizomania of Sugar Beet" and "Practices That Reduce Risk of Spreading Rhizomania."