The Sidney Sun-Telegraph - Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) has long been and remains a constant problem to sugar beet production throughout the eastern and Great Lakes production areas of the United States. In fact, it is thought to have been a major reason for early production in Nebraska to shift west to the Panhandle.

Despite the drier conditions in western Nebraska, the disease has still been sporadic, but not a consistent issue. However, when it does occur, it can be very destructive if not noted and treated.

CLS is caused by the airborne fungal pathogen Cercospora beticola, and the pathogen overwinters in infected...