Beets (Beta vulgaris var. crassa) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) are members of the Chenopodiaceae family, along with lambquarters. Both are cool-season crops that can tolerate frosts and light freezes. Chard is raised for its large leaves and stems, and beets are raised both for greens and roots. The best quality is obtained when beets are grown under conditions of good sunlight and cool temperatures (50-65°F). The higher temperatures of summer can cause "zoning" in beets, e.g. alternating light and dark rings and lower sugar content. Beets grow best in deep, friable, well-drained, sandy loams to silt loams. High organic content in the soil is desirable and will help maintain an adequate moisture supply. Organic matter should be well decomposed to avoid scab problems with beets.
| Beet and Chard Varieties | |
|---|---|
| Bunching Spring Beets | Summer and Fall Beets |
| Kestrel | Kestrel |
| Boro | Boro |
| Red Ace | Red Ace |
| Red Cloud | Red Cloud |
| Detroit Supreme - OP | Moneta (monogerm) |
| Early Wonder - OP | Pacemaker III |
| Beet Greens | Specialty Beets |
| Bull's Blood - OP | Cylindra - cylindrical |
| Early Wonder Tall Top - OP | Taunus - cylindrical |
| Fresh Pak | Boldor - yellow |
| Touchstone Gold - yellow | |
| Chard Varieties | Chioggia Guardsmark - OP, striped interior |
| Bright Lights - multicolored mix | Avalanche - OP, white |
| Fordhook Giant - OP | |
| Large White Ribbed - OP | |
| Silverado | |
| Ruby Red | |
| OP: open-pollinated | |
Apply lime according to soil test to maintain soil pH at 6.5-6.8. In alkaline soils, the chance of boron and manganese deficiency is increased. High levels of nitrogen in relation to phosphorus and potassium will result in heavy leaf production with poor root development. Beets have a high potassium requirement. Less nitrogen fertilizer will be needed if legume sod was plowed down or if manure was applied (see Table 1 and Table 7).
Beets are subject to boron deficiency; young leaves fail to develop normally, turn black and die. This is accompanied by internal breakdown, canker, or dry rot of the root. To prevent deficiency, apply 2 lb B per acre (10 lb Solubor, 20 lb borax) with the broadcast fertilizer application. Make sure that the next crop in the rotation schedule is not sensitive to boron residue.
| PLANT NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATION ACCORDING TO SOIL TEST RESULTS FOR BEET AND SWISS CHARD | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEET AND SWISS CHARD | NITROGEN (N)* LBS PER ACRE | PHOSPHORUS (P) LBS P2O5 PER ACRE | POTASSIUM (K) LBS K2O PER ACRE | ||||||
| SOIL TEST RESULTS | VERY LOW | LOW | OPTIMUM | ABOVE OPTIMUM | VERY LOW | LOW | OPTIMUM | ABOVE OPTIMUM | |
| Broadcast and Incorporate | 75-100 | 150 | 100 | 50 | 0 | 300 | 150 | 75-100 | 0 |
| Sidedress after 1st or 2nd cutting | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL RECOMMENDED | 105-130 | 150 | 100 | 50 | 0 | 300 | 150 | 75-100 | 0 |
Seed is planted 0.25-0.5 in. deep in rows 18-24 in. apart aiming at a density of 15-30 plants per foot. For most beet varieties (except monogerm varieties) each seed ball contains up to 6 seeds, so thinning is required. Both beets and chard may be transplanted for an earlier spring crop.
Swiss chard: Chard does not bolt or go to seed as readily as spinach and, therefore, is a good summer substitute. Many successive harvests can be made from one planting. Chard is frost resistant and can be harvested well after the first killing frost. Once harvested, chard can be kept for 1-2 weeks at 32°F and 95-98% relative humidity.
Beet: Bunched beets can be kept for 10-14 days at 32°F and 98% relative humidity. Topped beets can be stored for 3-6 months or more at 33-36ºF and 98% relative humidity.
NOTE: For the disease control products listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 25 and Fungicides and Bactericides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.
The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.
Select resistant cultivars where available. Use cultural practices that minimize periods of leaf wetness such as plant spacing, planting in the direction of prevailing winds, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Promptly incorporate plant debris after harvest to speed decomposition.
azoxystrobin (Quadris): 9.0 to 15.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. Applications of Quadris to leafy vegetables may cause phytotoxicity; proceed with caution with regards to tank mixes and adjuvants. Rates vary depending on crop and disease: see label for details. Do not alternate with other Group 11 fungicides.
copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.75 to 2.0 lb/A. Beet ONLY; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M01. Do not apply in a spray solution having a pH less than 6.5 or tank mix with Aliette.
cyprodinil plus fludioxonil (Switch): 11.0 to 14.0 fl oz/A, PHI 7d (beet), 0d (chard) REI 12h, Groups 9 and 12.
fluopyram plus pyrimethanil (Luna Tranquility): 8.0 to 11.2 fl oz/A, PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 9 and 12.
fluxapyroxad plus pyraclostrobin (Merivon Xemium): 9.0 to 15.5 fl oz/A (beet), 4.0 to 11.0 fl oz/A (chard); PHI 7d (beet), 24h (chard), REI 12h. Groups 7 and 11. Use highest labeled rate for Cercospora.
penthiopyrad (Fontelis): 4.0 to 5.5 fl oz/A (beet), 14.0 to 24.0 fl oz/A (chard); PHI 7d (beet), 3d (chard), REI 12h, Group 7.
propiconazole (Tilt): 4.0 fl oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h, Group 3. Not labeled for powdery mildew on chard.
pydiflumetofen plus fludioxonil (Miravis Prime): 6.8 fl oz/A (beet), 9.2 to 13.4 fl oz/A (chard); PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 7 and 12.
pyraclostrobin (Cabrio EG): 8.0 to 12.0 oz/A (beet), 12.0 to 16.0 (chard); PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not alternate with other Group 11 fungicides.
Reynoutria sachalinensis extract (RegaliaOG): 1.0 to 4.0 qt/A ground application; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P5. Apply to ensure thorough coverage. See label for specific application instructions.
Swinglea glutinosa extract (EcoSwingOG): 1.5 to 2 pts/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM 01. Labeled for Alternaria leaf spot and powdery mildew.
trifloxystrobin (Flint): 2.0 to 3.0 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not alternate with other Group 11 fungicides.
Plant resistant cultivars where available. Use cultural practices that minimize periods of leaf wetness such as plant spacing, planting in the direction of prevailing winds, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Promptly incorporate plant debris after harvest to speed decomposition.
ametoctradin plus dimethomorph (Zampro): 14.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12 h, Groups 45 and 40. Not labeled for beets.
azoxystrobin (Quadris): 12.0 to 15.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. Do not alternate with other Group 11 fungicides. Not labeled for beets.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens F727 (StargusOG): 2.0 to 4.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 44. Apply preventatively in a minimum of 50.0 gallons of water/A.
fluopicolide (Presidio): 3.0 to 4.0 fl oz/A; PHI 2d, REI 12h, Group 43. Must be tank mixed with a fungicide with a different mode of action. Not labeled for downy mildew on beets.
oxathiapiprolin (Orondis Gold 200): 4.8 to 9.6 fl.oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 49. Begin foliar application prior to disease development. Not labeled for beets.
phosphorous acid (Fosphite): 1.0 to 3.0 qt/minimum 20.0 gal; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 33. Do not apply to plants that are heat or moisture stressed. Do not apply directly to copper treated plants within 20-day interval to avoid plant injury.
pyraclostrobin (Cabrio): 12.0 to 16.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not alternate with Quadris or Flint. Not labeled for beets.
Plant on well-drained soil. Buy treated seeds. Do not use treated seed for food, feed or oil purposes.
fludioxonil (Maxim 4FS): 0.08 to 0.16 oz/100 lb seed; REI 12h, Group 12. For protection against seedborne and soil-borne fungi. Does not control Pythium and Phytophthora.
mefenoxam (Apron XL): 0.085 to 0.64 fl oz/100 lb seed; REI 48h, Group 4. For Pythium damping-off protection.
thiram (Thiram 42 S): 8.0 lb/100 lb seed; REI 24h, Group M 03.
NOTES: For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 26 and Insecticides Alphabetical Listing by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.
The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.
The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.
The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.
Aphids may include green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) or bean aphid (Aphis fabae). See Peppers for more information about green peach aphid. Bean aphid favors plants in the Chenopodiaceae family (beets, chard, spinach, sugar beet) and feeds on a wide range of weeds (e.g. curly dock, lambsquarters, shephardspurse) as well as many other vegetables, but only rarely builds to damaging levels. Bean aphid adults and nymphs are dark olive-green to dull-black in color, with dark legs. They feed in young tissue of actively growing plants; high numbers can cause leaf curling and stunting. In general, using selective products for other pests will conserve natural enemies of aphids and prevent outbreaks.
acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A. Swiss chard only.
alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A beets, 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A chard; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group un.
bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 5.1 to 6.4 oz/A on beets, 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A on Swiss chard; PHI 1d beets, 7d Swiss chard, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Green peach aphid only. Swiss chard only.
cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. For control of green peach and suppression of potato aphid only. Swiss chard only.
dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 8 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Swiss chard only.
dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 3 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip. For Swiss chard only.
flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 3d beets, PHI 0d chard, REI 12, Bee: L, Group 9C.
flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 7 to 10.5 oz/A for foliar application, 21 to 28 oz/A for soil application (Swiss chard only); PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group 4D.
imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A; PHI 21d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil applications only.
malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 1.5 to 2 pt/A beets, 1 to 1.6 pt/A Swiss chard; PHI 7d beets, 14d Swiss chard, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.
permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Swiss chard only.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
pymetrozine (Fulfill): 2.75 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9A. Swiss chard only.
spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity; don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages; may also reduce adult fertility. Swiss chard only.
sulfoxaflor (Closer SC): 1.5 to 2 oz/A. Foliar applications only; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C.
sulfoxaflor (Transform WG): 1.5 to 2.25 oz/A. Beets only; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bees: H, Group 4C.
thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 12 oz/A on beets, 5 to 11 oz/A on Swiss chard; PHI 30d Swiss chard, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seed/seedling root zone during or after planting/transplanting or shanked into root zone after transplanting or establishment.
tolfenpyrad (Torac): 17 to 21 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 21A. Except lettuce aphids. Swiss chard only.
The margined blister beetle, Epicauta funebris and the striped blister beetle, Epicauta vittata, are the most common blister beetles in the Northeast. These beetles have also been called the "old fashioned potato beetle". They attack chard, beet and spinach along with other vegetable crops including bean, eggplant, pepper, potato, sweet potato, tomato, and sometimes brassicas. They are very attracted to pigweed and other Amaranthus spp., and also feed in alfalfa and clover. Adults are soft-bodied, slender, long-legged beetles, about 5/8 in. long. The section of the body between the head and the wings is distinctly narrower, giving the impression that the insect has a neck. The egg, larval and pupal stages occur in the soil, and grasshopper eggs are a favored food for larvae. There is one generation per year in the Northeast, and beetles overwinter as larvae in the soil. Margined blister beetles are dark gray or black with light-gray lines along the margins of the wings. They feed primarily on flowers and blossoms of plants, but may also feed on the leaves. Striped blister beetles are yellow to rusty orange with 2 black spots on the head and 2 black stripes dorsally on the thorax and the wings. They are mainly foliage feeders and often appear in large swarms, sometimes quite suddenly, and concentrate in one particular area of a field where they can cause significant feeding damage. Blister beetles contain an oily, caustic substance called cantharidin that protects them from natural enemies. In humans, it causes temporary blisters on the skin; in livestock, especially horses, consuming cantharidin causes severe injury and contamination of hay with blister beetles is a serious concern. Where local swarms occur in a crop, a single spot spray with a broad-spectrum insecticide registered for flea beetles on these crops effectively controls blister beetles.
azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group un.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
Floating row covers can be used. No insecticides currently registered. For more information see cabbage maggot in the cabbage section.
Several species of flea beetles feed on beets and chard. Most have a wide host range and tend to be moving among various crops and weeds. Most are black. The species that feed especially on brassicas do not tend to feed on beets or Swiss chard. Damage (small 'shot holes') is most common on seedlings but can occur on older leaves as well.
alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 1.8 to 3.8 oz/A beets, 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A chard; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group un.
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid* XL): 2.4 to 3.2 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Swiss chard only.
bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 5.1 to 6.4 oz/A on beets, 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A on Swiss chard; PHI 1d beets, 7d Swiss chard, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 0.5 to 1 qt/A; PHI 7d beets, 14d Swiss chard, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A.
dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 3 oz/A foliar. Swiss chard only; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A; PHI 21d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil applications only. Beets only.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
thiamethoxam (Actara): 1.5 to 3 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 12 oz/A on beets, 5 to 11 oz/A on Swiss chard; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seed/seedling root zone at planting/transplanting.
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.4 to 4.3 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. For Swiss chard only.
Spinach leafminer (Pegomya hyoscyami) and beet leafminer (P. betae) attack crops in the family Chenopodiaceae (chard, beet, and spinach). Spinach leafminer may also cause damage in Solanaceous crops. In beets, leafminer is only a pest if the leaves are marketed or pressure is high enough to reduce root growth. The fly overwinters as a pupa in the soil and the small (5-7 mm) gray hairy adult flies emerge from late-April to mid- May. The two species are similar, but beet leafminer adults are slightly larger and darker, and beet leafminers prefer laying eggs on beet leaves. Female flies lay oblong white eggs (<1mm) in neat clusters on the underside of the leaves. Eggs hatch in 3-6 days. The larva burrows between the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf and feeds, creating a slender, winding ‘mine’ or tunnel. This expands into large blotches of translucent, dead tissue across the leaf, with a white maggot inside. Damaged leaves are unmarketable. When fully grown, maggots usually drop into the soil to pupate. The entire life cycle takes 30-40 days and there are 3-4 generations per season, with peak activity periods in mid to late-May, late-June and mid-August. Leafminer is most important as an early spring pest, but when populations are high, overlapping generations can cause continuous season-long damage to succession-planted spinach, beets and chard. After August, pupae enter overwintering phase and won’t emerge until next spring. A commercially available biological control is the tiny wasp parasitoid, Diglyphus isaea, which is most often used against Liriomyza leafminers (see Celery section) but has also been known to control leafminers in chard. They work best in warm weather.
For prevention, rotate beet, chard and spinach to new fields in the spring and during the growing season. Avoid spring plantings near tunnels where winter greens were grown. Control weed hosts including lambsquarter, nightshade, chickweed and plantain. Row covers protect the crop by excluding flies, but scout for eggs on transplants before covering. Scout spring transplants in the greenhouse and in the field for eggs, which are easy to spot on the underside of leaves. Treat when eggs are first observed. If tunnels and eggs are present, treat to prevent further damage. Scout again to determine if a second treatment is needed in 7-10 days. Use an adjuvant and ensure coverage of lower leaf surface. Some systemic insecticides are registered that may be applied to transplants or to the soil. Among organic products, spinosad has demonstrated efficacy when applied before egg hatch. Note that some products are labeled only for Swiss chard.
abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Must be mixed with a non-ionic wetting, spreading and/or penetrating spray adjuvant; do not use binder or sticker type adjuvant. Swiss chard only.
azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group un.
chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 5.0 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28. May be applied to soil at planting, through drip chemigation and as a foliar spray. Swiss chard only.
cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Swiss chard only.
cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting. Swiss chard only.
cyromazine (Trigard): 2.66 dry oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 17. Swiss chard only.
dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 8 oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Swiss chard only.
dinotefuran (Venom): 1 to 3 oz/A foliar or 5 to 7.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Soil application may be as a band during bedding, in-furrow at seeding, transplant or post-seeding drench, sidedress or through drip. Swiss chard only.
emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 3.2 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Leafminer suppression on Swiss chard only.
Isaria fumosorosea Apopka Strain 97 (PFR-97 20% WDGOG): 1 to 2 lb/A foliar; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
paraffinic oil (Organic JMS Stylet-OilOG): 0.75 to 1.5 gal/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Beets only.
permethrin (Pounce* 25WP): 6.4 to 12.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Swiss chard only.
pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
spinetoram (Radiant SC): 6 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d Swiss chard, 3d beet greens, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5.
spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 4.5 to 10 oz/A beets, 6 to 10 oz/A Swiss chard; PHI 3d beets, 1d Swiss chard, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Control may be improved with the addition of an adjuvant. Do not apply to Swiss chard seedlings intended for transplant.
thiamethoxam (Platinum): 5 to 12 oz/A on beets, 5 to 11 oz/A on Swiss chard; PHI 30d Swiss chard, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic insecticide used as an in-furrow, banded, drench, or drip irrigation application to the seed/seedling root zone during or after planting/transplanting or shanked into root zone after transplanting or establishment. Suppression only and only on Swiss chard.
Damage appears as shredded foliage. Look for silvery slime trails on leaves or turn over soil clods or debris to find slugs during daylight hours. Grow plants away from moist, shaded habitats, use clean cultivation, control weeds, hand pick slugs or scatter baits on the ground near infested plants. See the Cabbage section for more information on slugs.
iron phosphate (Sluggo: Slug and Snail BaitOG): 20 to 44 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 0h, Bee: L, Group 9B. Apply around perimeter, scatter around base of plants, or band down rows. Apply to moist soil in the evening.
metaldehyde (Deadline Bullets): 20 to 40 lb/A; REI 12h, Bee: L. Soil surface treatment broadcast pre-planting, or band treatment between rows after formation of edible parts. Apply to moist soil in the evening. Do not apply directly to or contaminate edible portions of plants.
NOTE: For the herbicides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient along with preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), resistance management group number, and example of rates and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. However, not all products with the same active ingredient are registered for use in a crop. Always check the product label to be sure that the crop is listed before using.
See Stale Seedbed Technique for information on the use of these herbicides.
glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): REI 12h, Group 9.
pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. Use a 3 -10% solution (3 to 10 gallons per 100 gallons).
cycloate (Ro-Neet): REI 48h, Group 15. Beets only. Not for use in Vermont, Connecticut or Rhode Island. Preplant incorporated. Apply 1/2 to 2/3 gal/A 10 to 50 gallons of water per acre. Must be immediately incorporated into the soil to a depth of 2 -3” to prevent loss of the herbicide. Use on mineral soils ONLY. Use lower rate on sandy soils. Use higher dosage rate on heavier soils. Works by interfering with seed germination and seedling development. Will not control existing weeds.
s-metolachlor (Dual Magnum): REI 12h, Group 15. MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, and NEW HAMPSHIRE ONLY. Make sure the label for your state is available for download before using this product. This is a restricted label available only to growers who apply through the website www.syngenta-us.com/labels/indemnified-label-login and agree to a waiver of liability. Main target weeds for this registration are galinsoga and yellow nutsedge. All label instructions will be supplied after the application for use is completed.
carfentrazone (Aim EC): REI 12h, Group 14. Aim is a burndown herbicide and will injure any foliage it comes into contact with. Apply Aim to row middles of emerged crops with hooded sprayers to control emerged weeds, including crops grown on mulch or plastic. Prevent any spray from contacting the crop, or injury will occur. For best results, make application to actively growing weeds up to 4 inches tall and rosettes less than 3 inches across. Good coverage is essential for good control. Apply up to 2 oz/A per application, and do not exceed a total of 6.1 oz/ per season.
clethodim (Select Max): PHI 30d, REI 24h, Group 1. Will control grass weeds only. Apply to actively growing grasses. See label for rate selection. Multiple applications permitted of 9 to 16 oz/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications, not to exceed 64 oz/A per year. Add 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (1 qt per 100 gal of spray). Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 1/3-2/3% (0.44 to 0.85 oz per gallon) Select Max and 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (0.33 oz per gallon). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
clopyralid (Stinger): PHI 30d, REI 12h, Group 4. Beets only. For postemergence control of weeds in the composite and legume families. Apply when beets are in the 2- to 8-leaf stage and weeds are young and actively growing. Common annuals include galinsoga, ragweed, pineappleweed, clover, and vetch. Perennial weeds controlled include Canada thistle, goldenrod species, aster species, and mugwort (wild chrysanthemum). Stinger is very effective on small seedling annual and emerging perennial weeds less than 2" to 4" tall, but is less effective and takes longer to work when weeds are larger. Use 0.25 pt/A (4 oz/A) to control annual weeds less than 2" tall. Use up to 0.5 pt/A (8 oz/A) to control larger annual weeds, and to suppress perennial weeds. Spray additives are not needed or required by the label and are not recommended. Stinger is a postemergence herbicide with some soil residual activity. Observe replant restrictions on the label or injury may occur from herbicide carryover.
pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17. Use a 3 -10% solution (3 to 10 gallons per 100 gallons). Use a 3 to 5% solution for annual weeds, a 5 to 7% solution for biennial and perennial weeds, and 7 to 10% solution for maximum burndown. Delivery rate for boom applications should be 75 to 200 gals of spray solution per acre; complete coverage of weed foliage is essential. Use a DIRECTED/ SHIELDED SPRAY; contact with crop will cause injury. For hand-held equipment, spray to completely wet all weed foliage but not to the point of runoff. Repeat applications as necessary. Tank mixes are allowed with this product. See label for complete details.
sethoxydim (Poast): PHI 60d for beets, PHI 30d for chard, REI 12h, Group 1. Controls grass weeds only. Apply to actively growing grasses (see product label for susceptible stage). Use with crop oil concentrate (2.0 pt/A) or methylated seed oil (1.5 pt/A). Note that crop oil can cause injury under hot and humid conditions. For beets, maximum 2.5 pt/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications. Do not exceed 5 pt/A per year. For chard, maximum 1.5 pt/A per application, minimum 14-days between applications. Do not exceed 3 pt/A per year. Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 1-1.5% (1.3 to 1.9 oz per gallon) Poast and 1% v:v crop oil concentrate (1.3 oz per gallon). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.