Ramularia is a fungus that is present mainly in northern Europe. The fungus is favoured by a cool climate, optimum around 17°C. Rain and humidity particularly favour the onset and spread of the disease. Irrigation can therefore accelerate the infection. Ramularia can attack sugar beet during the summer months with symptoms appearing in August-October. The earlier the infection, the more it will influence the yield.

Since the middle of the 1980's, Hilleshög has been testing the resistance to Ramularia of all new lines - with the aim that no varieties should be sensitive.

• Maintain a good crop rotation, as the fungus survives on plant debris in the soil.
• Avoid irrigation if the risk of attack exists.
• Choose varieties with good resistance
• If there is early infection and approved crop protection products are available spraying can be worthwhile.