UK Sugar Beet Growers Face Moth Outbreak as Coragen Authorization Nears Expiration
UK sugar beet growers are grappling with one of the most severe beet moth outbreaks in years, exacerbated by an unusually warm and dry summer. The British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) has advised growers to prioritize pest control before the emergency authorization for the insecticide Coragen expires on September 30. Dr. Alistair Wright, head of crop protection at BBRO, reported widespread infestation, with some fields showing damage to every plant. While Coragen, containing chlorantraniliprole, has proven 80% effective in trials, commonly used pyrethroid insecticides have shown minimal impact. The emergency authorization for Coragen was granted due to the unexpected pest surge and lack of adequate alternatives. Growers are also contending with Cercospora leaf spot, a fungal disease thriving in recent wet, warm conditions, necessitating a second fungicide spray. This pest and disease pressure compounds a difficult growing season, with drought conditions potentially reducing yields by up to 25% in some... 
