Sugar Beets

Don Morishita
Revised March 2013

Note All rates listed are stated as broadcast equivalent (i.e., the amount that would be required for weed control if broadcast sprayed between rows as well as in the row). If sugar beet herbicides are applied in a band, the amount required for 1 acre of beets can be calculated as: broadcast equivalent x (band width ÷ distance between rows).

SUGAR BEETS—Annual Grass and Broadleaf Weeds

cycloate (Ro-Neet SB)

Rate 3 to 4 lb ai/A (0.5 to 0.67 gal/A Ro-Neet SB 6EC)

Time Preplant, at-planting or early post-plant. Apply preplant incorporated in spring or in fall (4 lb ai/A). If applied in fall, do not reapply preplant the next spring.

Remarks Special local needs labels (WA-101123A/C, OR-10022A/C, ID-010015) Incorporate all applications mechanically, 2 to 3 inches deep, or incorporate using 0.5 to 0.75 inch of sprinkler irrigation water or enough water to penetrate soil 3 to 4 inches within 36 hours after application. Use lower rate on sandy soil. For maximum weed control, plant immediately after application. May be broadcast or band applied. Injury may result in highly saline or alkaline soils. When cultivating fields where cycloate has been banded in row, use shields to prevent moving untreated soil into treated row. May be applied with fluid fertilizers or impregnated on dry bulk fertilizers.

Caution Cannot be applied postemergence to the crop or weeds. Do not tank mix with Betamix or Progress or generic equivalents.

Site of action Group 8: lipid synthesis inhibitor but not an ACCase inhibition

Chemical family Thiocarbamate

dimethenamid-P (Outlook)

Rate 0.56 to 0.984 lb ai/A (12 to 21 fl oz/A Outlook 6EC)

Time Apply after sugar beets have two true (fully expanded) leaves, otherwise injury may occur. Outlook may also be applied after sugar beets have reached the nine-leaf stage but before the 12-leaf stage for extended control.

Remarks Application rate depends on soil type and organic-matter content. Apply from the two-true-leaf to the 12-leaf growth stage. Two applications per growing season are permitted, but do not exceed 21 fl oz/A per growing season. Outlook will not control emerged weeds. Tank mix postemergence herbicides with Outlook if weeds are present. Outlook may be applied by chemigation, aerially, or at lay-by. The maximum Outlook use rates in a single application are 12 to 18 fl oz/A on coarse soils, and 18 to 21 fl oz/A on medium or fine texture soils. If applied in a single application, do not exceed 21 fl oz/A. If Outlook is applied in two split applications, maintain a minimum of 14 days between applications and do not exceed a seasonal total of 24 fl oz/A.

Caution Avoid treating light, sandy soils when conditions favor wind erosion. Do not harvest within 60 days of application if Outlook is applied from two-leaf to eight-leaf growth stages. Do not harvest within 95 days of application if Outlook is applied from nine-leaf to 12-leaf growth stages. In situations where Outlook has been applied to sugar beets and crop failure occurs due to adverse weather or other reasons, replanting sugar beets is not recommended.

Site of action Group 15: lipid synthesis inhibitor but not an ACCase inhibitor

Chemical family Chloroacetamide

EPTC (Eptam)

Rate 1.97 to 3 lb ai/A (2.25 to 3.5 pints/A Eptam 7EC or 15 lb/A Eptam 20G)

Time Apply after first true leaves have formed following cultivation.

Remarks Must be incorporated or metered into sprinkler irrigation lines, or injected on each side of beet row as label directs. If metering into irrigation water, use 2.25 to 3.5 pints/A. If incorporating after application, apply 3.5 pints/A and incorporate 2 to 3 inches deep. If injecting beside the row, use two shanks per row spaced 5.5 inches apart centered on the row and apply at 1.75 pints/A. If using Eptam 20G, apply 15 lb/A. May be mixed with certain liquid fertilizers or dry bulk fertilizers (see label).

Caution Do not apply before first true sugar beet leaves have formed, or within 49 days of harvest.

Site of action Group 8: lipid synthesis inhibitor but not ACCase inhibition

Chemical family Thiocarbamate

ethofumesate (Nortron or Ethotron)

Rate 0.125 to 3.75 lb ai/A (0.25 to 7.5 pints/A Nortron 4SC or Ethotron 4SC)

Time Apply preplant or preemergence followed with a light incorporation or sprinkler irrigation (0.5 to 0.75 inch of water). May also apply to bedded soil in the fall. Ethofumesate can be applied postemergence in a tank-mix with Betamix.

Remarks For preplant and preemergence applications, apply 2.25 to 7.5 pints/A (broadcast equivalent), depending on soils type and organic matter content. Do not apply more than 6 pints/A (broadcast equivalent) on soils with less than 3 percent organic matter. Do not mechanically incorporate under sprinkler irrigation. Effective on most broadleaf weeds, but only fair on nightshade. Good on most grasses, kochia, Russian thistle, and redroot pigweed. Ethofumesate tank-mix rates with Betamix are 0.25 to 0.5 pint/A. See label for rate best suited to your soil type.

Caution Temporary injury may occur at higher rates. Do not exceed a total of 1 gal/A (broadcast equivalent) in a single season. If soil-applied, do not plant any crop other than sugar beets or ryegrass within 12 months after applying. May rotate six months after low-rate postemergence applications of 12 oz/A or less. Do not mix with liquid fertilizers. Moldboard-plow soil the next year before planting other crops.

Site of action Group 16: unknown

Chemical family Benzofuran

glyphosate (Roundup and others)

Use only on Roundup Ready sugar beets

Rate 0.75 to 1.125 lb ae/A (22 to 32 fl oz Roundup 4.5SL)

Time Apply preemergence through canopy closure.

Remarks Use only on Roundup Ready sugar beets. Be aware that glyphosate is formulated as 3, 3.7, and 4.5 lb ae/gal; be sure to use the correct amount of herbicide. In Roundup Ready sugar beets, up to 5.96 lb ae/A (170 fl oz/A Roundup PowerMax) may be applied in one year; up to 3.71 lb ae/A (106 fl oz/A Roundup PowerMax may be applied preplant, at planting, and preemergence; up to 1.97 lb ae/A (56 fl oz/A Roundup PowerMax) may be applied from emergence to eight-leaf stage; and up to 1.54 lb ae/A (44 fl oz/A Roundup PowerMax) may be applied between eight-leaf stage and canopy closure. The maximum rate for any single application from crop emergence until the eight-leaf stage is 1.125 lb ae/A (32 fl oz/A Roundup PowerMax). It is strongly recommended not to use less than 0.75 lb ae/A for weed control to reduce the potential for development of glyphosate-resistant weeds. The maximum rate for any single application between the 8-leaf stage and canopy closure is 0.77 lb ae/A. Controls only emerged weeds and has no residual weed control. Use up to 2 lb ae/A glyphosate to control perennial weeds. The addition of 1 to 2 percent ammonium sulfate (AMS) by weight or 8.5 to 17 lb/100 gal spray solution may increase the performance of glyphosate particularly with hard water or spraying during drought conditions. See individual glyphosate labels for amount of surfactant and water applied per acre. Up to four sequential applications of this product may be made with at least 10 days between applications. Preharvest interval is 30 days.

Caution Do not use glyphosate for spot treatment in emerged sugar beet crops unless they are Roundup Ready. Do not plant crops other than those listed on label for 30 days after applying.

Site of action Group 9: inhibits EPSP synthase

Chemical family None generally accepted

S-metolachlor (Dual Magnum)

Rate 0.95 to 1.59 lb ai/A (1 to 1.67 pints/A Dual Magnum 7.62EC)

Time Apply postemergence after first-true-leaf stage.

Remarks Apply at 1 pint/A on coarse soils, 1.33 pints/A on medium soils, and 1.67 pints/A on fine soils. More than one postemergence application may be applied, but the total should not exceed 2.6 pints/A. Weeds present at the time of application will not be controlled. Do not apply within 60 days of harvest. The addition of spray adjuvants such as crop oil concentrates or methylated seed oil can increase the risk of crop injury.

Caution If a crop treated with Dual Magnum is lost, any crop on the product label or on a supplemental Dual Magnum label, may be replanted immediately provided that the rate applied to the previous crops was not greater than the labeled rate for the crop to be replanted. Sugar beets may not be replanted because they can be injured while emerging.

Site of action Group 15: lipid synthesis inhibitor but not an ACCase inhibitor

Chemical family Chloroacetamide

paraquat (Gramoxone Inteon)

Rate 0.5 to 1 lb ai/A (2 to 4 pints/A Gramoxone Inteon 2SL)

Time Apply to weeds 1 to 6 inches tall postemergence, but before crop emerges.

Remarks Form seedbeds as far ahead of treatment as possible to permit maximum weed emergence. Use the higher rate for heavier weed populations. It is essential to obtain complete coverage of target weeds to obtain good control. Add a nonionic surfactant containing 75% or more active ingredient at a minimum of 0.125% v/v (1 pint/100 gallons spray). A nonphytotoxic crop oil concentrate or methylated seed oil containing 15 to 20% approved emulsifier may be used at 1% v/v (1 gal/100 gallons spray). Rain occurring 15-30 minutes or more after application will have no effect on Gramoxone Inteon activity.

Caution A restricted-use herbicide. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes and socks, and a NIOSH-approved respirator with any N, R, P, or HE filter when handling and spraying. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not breathe spray mist. Do not allow spray to drift from target site.

Site of action Group 22: photosystem I electron diversion

Chemical family Bipyridilium

pronamide (Kerb SC, 50-W)

Seed in Oregon only

Rate 1 lb ai/A (2.5 pints lb/A SC, 2 lb/A 50WP)

Time Apply postemergence to weeds and beets in November or December, after beets have at least three to five true leaves.

Remarks Special local needs label OR-110015 (SC) and OR-020029 (50-W). Controls most annual grasses and volunteer grains; suppresses chickweed. Does not control most broadleaves.

Caution A restricted-use herbicide. Avoid spraying areas that may drain onto fields planted to grass or cereal crops. Do not graze or feed crop residues.

Site of action Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor

Chemical family Benzamide

phenmedipham + desmedipham (Betamix Sugarbeet Mix)

Rate 0.25 to 1.25 lb ai/A (1.5 to 7.5 pints/A Betamix Sugarbeet Mix 1.3EC)

Time Apply low rates (0.25 to 0.33 lb ai/A) two to three times at about 1-week intervals. Refer to label for application rates based on sugar beet growth stage. The first application may be made when sugar beets are in cotyledon to one-leaf stage, but weeds must have no more than one true leaf. Higher rates are required when weeds are in two- to four-leaf stage. In such cases, sugar beets must have at least two true leaves and temperatures must be between 50°F and 80°F.

Remarks Controls common lambsquarters, mustard species, and nightshade. Some control of green foxtail. Weak on kochia and pigweed. Do not spray while dew is present. Rain within 6 hours of application may reduce weed control. Do not harvest within 75 days of application.

Caution Sugar beets may be injured if stressed or if air exceeds 80°F at application. Frost within 3 days prior to application or 7 days following treatment could cause beet injury.

Site of action (both) Group 5: photosystem II inhibitor

Chemical family (both) phenylcarbamate

trifluralin (several trade names)

Rate 0.5 to 0.75 lb ai/A (1 to 1.5 pints/A with any 4-lb ai/gal formulation)

Time Apply at layby when soil has been pushed around beets after thinning (i.e., when beets are 2 to 6 inches tall or in four- to six-leaf stage).

Remarks Cover exposed beet roots with soil before applying. Susecptible to photodegradation if not immediately incorporated. Incorporate with power tiller, rolling cultivator, or flextine harrow. After using trifluralin, plow deeply before planting any sensitive crop. Do not plant oats. See label for crop rotation restrictions.

Site of action Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor

Chemical family Dinitroaniline

triflusulfuron-methyl (UpBeet)

Rate 0.25 to 0.5 oz ai/A (0.5 to 1 oz/A UpBeet 50DF)

Time Apply to sugar beets any time after planting and weed emergence.

Remarks Tank mix with other broadleaf herbicides such as Betamix Sugarbeet Mix or Stinger. Use at least two sequential applications 5 to 10 days apart or as weeds germinate. For best results, weeds should be small (cotyledon to four true leaves), actively growing, and not under stress. If UpBeet is applied alone or combined with Stinger, include a nonionic surfactant or crop oil concentrate. Since UpBeet has no soil activity, only emerged weeds will be controlled. Rain within 6 hours may reduce weed control.

Caution Temporary chlorosis may occur under stressful growing conditions. Preharvest interval is 60 days. Do not exceed 1.25 oz ai/A in one season.

Site of action Group 2: acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor

Chemical family Sulfonylurea

SUGAR BEETS—Annual Grass

clethodim (Select or Select Max)

Rate 0.094 to 0.25 lb ai/A (6 to 16 fl oz/A Select 2EC) or 0.068 to 0.121 lb ai/A (9 to 32 fl oz/A Select Max 0.97EC)

Time Apply to actively growing grasses 1 to 6 inches tall.

Remarks Apply when the first grass weed species in a mixed grass weed population reaches recommended growth stage for treatment. For glyphosate resistant volunteer corn use Select Max at 6 fl oz/A on volunteer corn up to 12 inches tall, 9 fl oz/A on 24 inch tall volunteer corn and 12 fl oz/A on 36 inch tall volunteer corn. Always use nonionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v (1 quart/100 gal spray solution) or crop oil concentrate at 1 quart/A with ground applications, or 1% v/v (1 gallon/100 gal spray solution), but not less than 1 pint/A by air. Add 2.5 to 4 lb AMS fertilizer for enhanced grass control. Do not apply if rain is expected within 1 hour of application. Refer to label for information on tank mixing with broadleaf herbicides.

Caution Preharvest interval is 40 days.

Site of action Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor

Chemical family Cyclohexanedione

fluazifop (Fusilade DX)

Rate Refer to label directions for specific grassy weeds.

Time Apply to actively growing grasses 1 to 6 inches tall.

Remarks Supplemental label F18-1. Apply with 1% crop oil or 0.5% nonionic surfactant. Refer to label for information on tank mixing with broadleaf herbicides.

Caution Preharvest interval is 90 days. Do not exceed 24 fl oz/A per year.

Site of action Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor

Chemical family Aryloxyphenoxy propionate

quizalofop P-ethyl (Assure II or Targa)

Rate 0.034 to 0.083 lb ai/A (5 to 12 fl oz/A Assure II 0.88EC or Targa 0.88EC)

Time Apply to actively growing grasses from three-leaf to early tillering stage.

Remarks Controls annual grass weeds and volunteer small grains. Can use quizalofop at 2.5 fl oz/A for preplant burndown of grass weeds. Subsequent flushes of grass require additional treatment. For volunteer glyphosate resistant corn, quizalofop may be tank mixed with glyphosate. Use 4 fl oz/A for up to 12 inch volunteer corn, 5 fl oz/A for 12 to 18 inch volunteer corn, and 8 fl oz/A on 18 to 30 in corn. Use a petroleum-based crop oil concentrate at 1% v/v (4 quarts/100 gal spray solution) or a nonionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v (1 quart/100 gal spray solution). For aerial applications apply 0.5% v/v (2 quarts/100 gal spray solution) of crop oil concentrate. Do not apply if rain is expected within 1 hour of application

Caution Do not mix with broadleaf herbicides unless listed on the label. Preharvest interval is 45 days.

Site of action Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor

Chemical family Aryloxyphenoxy propionate

sethoxydim (Poast)

Rate 0.19 to 0.47 lb ai/A (1 to 2.5 pints/A Poast 1.5EC)

Time Apply to actively growing grasses.

Remarks See label for application rates, which differ by grass species and size. Sugar beets at all stages of growth are tolerant. In irrigated areas, apply 2 to 4 days after irrigation for best results. Always add oil concentrate at 2 pints/A. Annual bluegrass and fine fescues are not controlled. Spray volunteer grain up to 4 inches tall, but before tillering. Spray wild oat when 2 to 4 inches tall. Can be tank mixed with Betamix without crop oil concentrate and UAN solution or ammonium sulfate. Do not apply if rain is expected within 1 hour of application.

Caution Do not exceed 2.5 pints/A Poast per application or 5 pints/A Poast in 1 year. Apply at at least 60 days before harvest.

Site of action Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor

Chemical family Cyclohexanedione

SUGAR BEETS—Quackgrass

clethodim (Select or Select Max)

Rate 0.125 to 0.25 lb ai/A (8 to 16 fl oz/A Select 2EC) or 0.091 to 0.121 lb ai/A (12 to 32 fl oz/A Select Max 0.97EC)

Time Apply to actively growing grasses 4 to 12 inches tall.

Remarks Apply when the first species in a mixed-grass weed population reaches the recommended growth stage for treatment. Always use crop oil concentrate at 1% v/v (1 gallon/100 gal spray solution). Adding 2.5 to 4 lb AMS fertilizer enhances quackgrass control. Do not apply if rain is expected within 1 hour of application. See label on tank mixing with broadleaf herbicides.

Caution Do not apply within 40 days of harvesting beets.

Site of action Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor

Chemical family Cyclohexanedione

quizalofop P-ethyl (Assure II or Targa)

Rate 0.069 to 0.083 lb ai/A (10 to 12 fl oz/A Assure II 0.88EC, or Targa 0.88EC)

Time Apply to actively growing quackgrass 6 to 10 inches tall.

Remarks Two applications more effectively control quackgrass than one application. Use a petroleum-based crop oil concentrate at 1% v/v (4 quarts/100 gal spray solution) or a nonionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v (1 quart/100 gal spray solution). For aerial applications apply 0.5% v/v (2 quarts/100 gal spray solution) of crop oil concentrate. Do not apply if rain is expected within 1 hour of application.

Caution Do not mix with broadleaf herbicides unless listed on the label. Preharvest interval is 45 days.

Site of action Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor

Chemical family Aryloxyphenoxy propionate

sethoxydim (Poast)

Rate 0.47 lb ai/A first application + 0.28 lb ai/A second application (2.5 + 1.5 pints/A Poast 1.5EC)

Time Apply first when quackgrass is 6 to 8 inches tall. Apply again when re-growth or new growth is 6 to 8 inches tall.

Remarks Quackgrass is suppressed during crop season, but little long-term control will result. Use an oil concentrate with herbicide. Cultivation 14 to 21 days after applying aids control. Do not apply if rain is expected within 1 hour of application. Allow at least 60 days before harvest following application.

Site of action Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor

Chemical family Cyclohexanedione

SUGAR BEETS—Certain Annual Broadleaf Weeds and Canada Thistle

clopyralid (Stinger or Clopyr Ag)

Rate 0.094 lb ae/A to 0.188 lb ae/A clopyralid (0.25 to 0.5 pint/A Stinger 3SC, or Clopyr Ag 3SC) to control annual broadleaf weeds. To control Canada thistle and suppress perennial sowthistle, use 0.188 to 0.25 lb ae/A clopyralid (0.5 to 0.66 pint/A Stinger 3SC or Clopyr Ag 3SC).

Time Apply when beets have 2 to 8 true leaves. For Canada thistle, apply after most basal leaves emerge, but before bud stage.

Remarks May be tank mixed with Betamix or to control additional weeds. For most effective control of Canada thistle, apply broadcast to entire infested area. Apply at 10 gal/A or higher total spray volume.

Caution Wheat, barley, oats, grasses, field corn, or sugar beets may be planted any time following treatment. Do not plant alfalfa, asparagus, canola (rapeseed), Brassica species grown for seed, cole crops, dry beans, soybeans, grain sorghum, mint, onions, popcorn, safflower, sunflower, sweet corn, or strawberries for 12 months after applying clopyralid. In areas with 18 or more inches of annual precipitation (not including irrigation), alfalfa, asparagus, dry beans, canola (rapeseed), Brassica species grown for seed, grain sorghum, mint, onions, popcorn, sweet corn, soybeans, strawberries, and sunflowers may be planted 12 months after applying clopyralid. Cole crops, lentils, peas, potatoes (including potatoes grown for seed), safflower, or broadleaf crops grown for seed (excluding Brassica species) should not be planted for 18 months after treatment unless previous experience has shown no crop injury with the minimal 12-month rotation interval. In areas with less than 18 inches average annual precipitation (not including irrigation), do not plant alfalfa, dry beans, soybeans, sunflowers, lentils, peas, potatoes (including potatoes grown for seed), or broadleaf crops grown for seed (excluding Brassica species) until 18 months after applying clopyralid. Crop may suffer injury or yield loss up to 4 year after application. Re-treat as necessary but do not exceed 0.66 pint/A per year. Preharvest interval is 45 days for beet roots and tops.

Site of action Group 4: synthetic auxin

Chemical family Pyridine

Herbicide Effectiveness1 on Weeds in Sugar Beets

Weeds

cycloate
(Ro-Neet)

ethofumesate
(Norton or Etho SC)

glyphosate
(Roundup)

dimethenamid-P
(Outlook)

phenmedipham + desmedipham (Betamix)

clopyralid
(Stinger / Clopyr Ag)

triflusulfuron
(UpBeet)
2

clethodim
(Select)

quizalofop
(Assure II)
3

sethoxydim
(Poast)

EPTC layby
(Eptam)

trifluralin

Barley, volunteer

F

F

E

P

P

P

P

G

G

P-F

P

P

Barnyardgrass

G

G

E

E

P-F

P

P

E

E

E

G

G

Bindweed, field

P

P

F

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Buckwheat

P

F-G

G

P

F-G

E

G

P

P

P

F

F

Cocklebur

P

P

G

P

F

E

F

P

P

P

P

P

Crabgrass

G

F-G

E

G

P

P

P

E

E

F

G

G

Dodder

P

P

E

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Foxtail

G

G

E

E

F

P

P

E

E

E

G

G

Knapweed, Russian

P

P

P

P

P

G

P

P

P

P

P

P

Knotweed

P

P

P

F

F

F

G

P

P

P

G

G

Kochia

P

F-G

G-E

F

P-F

P

G

P

P

P

F

F

Lambsquarters

E

G-E

F-G

F-G

E

F

G

P

P

P

G

F-G

Mallow

P

P

P-F

P-F

P

P

F

P

P

P

P

P

Mustard

P

G

G

P

G

P

G

P

P

P

P

P

Nightshade, black

G

F-G

G

G

F-G

F-G

G

P

P

P

F-P

P

Nightshade, hairy

G

F-G

G-E

E

G-E

F-G

F

P

P

P

G

P

Nutsedge, yellow

F

P

F

F-G

P

P

P

P

P

P

F

P

Oats, volunteer

F

F

E

F

P

P

P

G

G-E

P-F

P

P

Oat, wild

F

F

E

F

P

P

P

G-E

G-E

G-E

F-G

F

Pigweed

E

G-E

G-E

E

G-E

P

G-E

P

P

P

F-G

G

Purslane

G

F-G

G-E

F-G

G

P

F

P

P

P

G

G

Quackgrass

F

P

F-G

P

P

P

P

G3

G3

F

F

P

Sandbur

G

P

E

G

P

P

P

E

G

G

G

Smartweed

P

F-G

F-G

P

P

G

G

P

P

P

P

P-F

Sowthistle

P

G

G

F

E

G

G

P

P

P

F

P

Sunflower

P

P

F-G

P

F

E

P

P

P

P

P

P

Thistle, Canada

P

P

P-F

P

P

E

P

P

P

P

P

Thistle, Russian

P

F-G

F-G

F

F

P

P

P

P

P

P

F-G

Wheat, volunteer

F

F

E

P

P

P

P

G

G

P-F

F

F