Registration of SR98 Sugarbeet Germplasm with Resistances to Rhizoctonia Seedling and Crown and Root Rot Diseases

Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) germplasm SR98 (Reg. No. GP287; PI 655951) was developed and released by the USDA– ARS at East Lansing, MI, in cooperation with the Beet Sugar Development Foundation, Denver, CO, and Michigan State University AgBioResearch, East Lansing, MI, to provide improved resistance to seedling disease and crown and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn in a smooth-root genetic background that contributes to low soil tare. Previous smooth-root releases have been highly susceptible to diseases caused by R. solani. SR98 was derived from Rhizoctoniaresistant germplasm released from the USDA–ARS sugarbeet germplasm enhancement programs at Ft. Collins, CO, and East Lansing, MI, and has shown good yield potential in agronomic trials and moderate resistance to Aphanomyces blackleg (caused by Aphanomyces cochliodes Drechs.) and Cercospora leaf spot (caused by Cercospora beticola, Sacc.). SR98 can be used as a pollinator for hybrid production or a population from which breeders can select pollinators for developing Rhizoctonia-resistant hybrids adapted to the Great Lakes growing region.