The Growth of Red Beet and its Infection by Streptomyces spp.

SUMMARY The growth of red beet was described by reference to changes in the number of leaves and vascular rings with time. In the glasshouse, decortication (splitting of the hypocotyl) began about 35 days from sowing, when plants had about five leaves and two to three vascular rings. Inoculation at different times and observations of the number of vascular rings disrupted by scab indicated that the plants became susceptible to infection by Streptomyces spp. at about this time. The exposed hypocotyl tissues suberized within 2–3 wk, by which time plants had eight leaves and four vascular rings: this may have prevented further infection.