Virus yellows can be caused by two viruses, Beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) and Beet yellows virus (BYV). In many European countries BMYV is the more common of the two viruses, but in the Mediterranean countries BYV is more important. Both viruses are spread to the sugar beet crop by aphids. The peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae, is the major vector , but other types of aphids can also transport and transfer the virus to beet plants. Early infections will cause the most significant yield losses.

• Keep a close check on attacks by aphids.
• Choose a good insecticide on the seed to keep aphids away from the young plants during the first months.
• Observe and control late attacks by aphids.