Beet and Swiss Chard

Beet and Swiss Chard Evonne Gong
Beet & Swiss Chard Disease Control Beet & Swiss Chard Insect Control Beet & Swiss Chard Weed Control

Introduction

Beets (Beta vulgaris var. crassa) and Swiss chard (B. vulgaris var. cicla) are members of the Chenopodiaceae family, along with spinach and lambquarters. Both are cool-season crops that can tolerate frosts and light freezes. Swiss 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" (alternating light and dark rings) and lower sugar content in beets. 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.

Types and Varieties

TYPE VARIETIES
Bunching Spring Beets

Kestrel

Boro

Red Ace

Red Cloud

Detroit Supreme - OP

Early Wonder - OP
Beet Greens

Bull's Blood - OP

Early Wonder Tall Top - OP

Fresh Pak
Chard Varieties

Bright Lights - multicolored mix

Fordhook Giant - OP

Large White Ribbed - OP

Silverado

Ruby Red
Summer and Fall Beets

Boro

Red Ace

Red Cloud

Moneta (monogerm)

Pacemaker III
Specialty Beets

Cylindra - cylindrical

Taunus - cylindrical

Boldor - yellow

Touchstone Gold - yellow

Chioggia Guardsmark - OP, striped interior

Avalanche - OP, white
OP: open-pollinated

Soil Fertility

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 (B) 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 or 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 Recommendations According to Soil Test Results for Beets and Swiss Chard

SOIL TEST RESULTS NITROGEN (N) - LBS PER ACRE PHOSPHORUS (P) -
LBS P2O5 PER ACRE		 POTASSIUM (K) -
LBS K2O PER ACRE
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

Planting

Seed is planted 0.25-0.5" deep in rows 18-24" 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 Swiss chard may be transplanted for an earlier spring crop. 

Harvest and Storage

Swiss 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 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. 

Beet and Swiss Chard Disease Control

Beet and Swiss Chard Disease Control ashahane
Beet & Swiss Chard - General Beet & Swiss Chard Insect Control Beet & Swiss Chard Weed Control

NOTES: 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 26 and Fungicides and Bactericides Alphabetically Listed 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.

Leaf Spots and Blights (Alternaria, Ascochyta, Cercospora, Powdery Mildew)

Select resistant cultivars when available. Use cultural practices that minimize periods of leaf wetness such as increased plant spacing, planting in the direction of prevailing winds, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Promptly incorporate plant debris after harvest to speed decomposition.

  • azoxystrobin (Quadris F): 6.0 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.
  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Convergence): 0.5 to 4.5 pt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. Beet only. See label for rates and application methods. 
  • copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.75 to 2.0 lb/A. PHI 0d, REI 24h, Group M01. Beet only. Do not apply in a spray solution having a pH less than 6.5 or tank mix with Aliette.
  • cyprodinil plus fludioxonil (Switch 62.5WG): 11.0 to 14.0 fl oz/A, PHI 7d (beet), 0d (Swiss chard), REI 12h, Groups 9 &12. 
  • fluopyram (Velum Prime): 6.0 to 6.84 fl oz/acre; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7. Labeled for powdery mildew on Swiss chard only.
  • fluopyram plus trifloxystrobin (Luna Sensation): 4.0 to 5.8 fl oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 7 and 11.
  • fluxapyroxad plus pyraclostrobin (Merivon Xemium): 4.0 to 5.5 fl oz/A (beet), 4.0 to 11.0 fl oz/A (Swiss chard); PHI 7d (beet), 1h (Swiss chard), REI 12h. Groups 7 & 11. Use highest labeled rate for Cercospora. 
  • laminarim (Vacciplant): 14.0 to 22.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P04. See label for application methods and restrictions. 
  • penthiopyrad (Fontelis): 16.0 to 30.0 fl oz/A (beet), 14.0 to 24.0 fl oz/A (Swiss chard); PHI 0d (beet), 3d (Swiss chard), REI 12h, Group 7.
  • propiconazole (Tilt): 3.0 to 4.0 fl oz/A; PHI 14d, REI 24h, Group 3. Not labeled for powdery mildew on Swiss chard. 
  • pydiflumetofen plus fludioxonil (Miravis Prime): 6.8 fl oz/A (beet), 9.2 to 13.4 fl oz/A (chard); PHI 7d (beet), 0d (Swiss chard) REI 12h, Groups 7 &12. 
  • pyraclostrobin (Cabrio EG): 8.0 to 12.0 oz/A (beet), 12.0 to 16.0 oz/A (Swiss 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 (Beet); 0.5 to 4.0 qt/A (chard); PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P05. Apply to ensure thorough coverage. See label for specific application restrictions and tank mix instructions and rates. 
  • Swinglea glutinosa extract (EcoSwingOG): 1.5 to 2 pts/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM01. Beets only. Labeled for Alternaria leaf spot and powdery mildew.
  • thyme oil (Guarda): See label for rate; PHI 0h, REI 0h, Group NC. See label for application methods.
  • trifloxystrobin (Flint): 2.0 to 3.0 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not alternate with other Group 11 fungicides.

Downy Mildew (Peronospora farinosa f. sp. betae )

More commonly affects spinach but may also infect beets and Swiss chard. Appears as chlorotic patches on the upper surfaces of leaves and fuzzy grayish sporulation on the undersides. Use cultural practices that minimize periods of leaf wetness such as increasing 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 & 40. Swiss chard only.
  • azoxystrobin (Quadris F): 12.0 to 15.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. Do not alternate with other Group 11 fungicides. Swiss chard only.
  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain F727 (StargusOG): 0.5 to 4.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. See label for rates and application methods. Apply preventatively.
  • fluopicolide (Presidio 4SC): 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. Swiss chard only.
  • 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. Swiss chard only.
  • potassium salts of phosphorous acid (Fosphite): 1.0 to 3.0 qt/minimum 20.0 gal/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P07. Do not apply to plants that are heat- or moisture-stressed. Do not apply directly to plants treated with copper within 20-day interval to avoid plant injury.
  • pyraclostrobin (Cabrio EG): 12.0 to 16.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 11. Do not alternate with Quadris or Flint. Swiss chard only.
  • Reynoutria sachalinensis extract (Regalia): 0.5 to 4.0 qt/A ; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P05. Swiss chard only.
  • thyme oil (Guarda): See label for rate; PHI 0h, REI 0h, Group NC. See label for application methods.

Seed Decay

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. Not labeled in ME.
  • thiram (Thiram 42 S): 8.0 lb/100 lb seed; REI 24h, Group M03. For use by professional applicators only. Not labeled in VT, NH, or ME.
Disease Control

Beet and Swiss Chard Insect Control

Beet and Swiss Chard Insect Control ashahane
Beet & Swiss Chard - General Beet & Swiss Chard Disease Control Beet & Swiss Chard Weed Control

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 27 and Insecticides Alphabetically Listed 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 (Myzus persicae or Aphis fabae)

Aphids may include green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) or bean aphid (Aphis fabae). See Peppers for more information about green peach aphids. Bean aphid favors plants in the Chenopodiaceae family (beets, chard, spinach, sugar beet). It 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 on the 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): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A beets, 3.2 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; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 5.1 to 6.4 oz/A beets, 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A 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 and cotton aphid only on beets. 
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A soil applications at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d chemigation, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. Begin drip application when populations first appear. Allow 1-3 days for material to be translocated to fully protect. 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, as a transplant or post-seeding drench, as a sidedress, or through drip. For Swiss chard only. Suppression only.
  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2 to 2.8 oz/A; PHI 3d beets, PHI 0d Swiss chard, REI 12, Bee: L, Group 9C.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A for green peach aphid foliar, 7 to 14 oz/A for other aphids foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A for soil application; PHI 1d foliar, 21d soil, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group 4D. Swiss chard only.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 4.4 to 10.5 oz/A; PHI 21d beets, 45d Swiss chard, 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 Swiss chard, 1.5 to 2.75 oz/A beets; PHI 3d Swiss chard, 7d beet, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4C.
  • sulfoxaflor (Transform WG): 0.75 to 1.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24h, Bees: H, Group 4C. Beets only.
  • 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.

Blister Beetles (Epicauta funebris and E. vittata)

The margined blister beetle, Epicauta funebris, and the striped blister beetle, E. 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 on 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 annually 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; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
  • 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.

Cabbage Maggot

Floating row covers can be used. No insecticides currently registered. For more information see cabbage maggot in the cabbage section. 

Flea Beetles

Several species of flea beetles feed on beets and Swiss chard. Most have a wide host range and tend to be moving among various crops and weeds. Most are black. The species that feeds especially on brassicas do not tend to feed on beets or Swiss chard. Damage (small 'shot holes') is most common on seedlings but can also occur on older leaves.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; 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; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
  • 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 beets, 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A 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; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Swiss chard only.
  • 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 beets, 5 to 11 oz/A 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*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Swiss chard only.

Leafminers (Pegomya hyoscyami and P. betae)

Spinach leafminer (Pegomya hyoscyami) and beet leafminer (P. betae) attack crops in the family Chenopodiaceae (Swiss 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. This pest 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, darker, and prefer laying eggs on beet leaves. Female flies lay oblong white eggs (<1 mm) 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. Leafminers are 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 the overwintering phase and won’t emerge until 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 Swiss chard. They work best in warm weather. 

For prevention, rotate beet, Swiss 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 lambsquarters, 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 them to prevent further damage. Scout again 7-10 days later to determine if a second treatment is needed. Use an adjuvant and ensure coverage of the 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. Larvae only. Swiss chard only.
  • azadirachtin (Azatin OOG): 4 to 16 oz/A foliar or drench, 4 to 16 oz/100 gal in greenhouses; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group UN. When using lower rates, combine with adjuvant for improved spray coverage and translaminar uptake.
  • 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 for soil applications at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d chemigation, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. Allow 1-3 days for insect control to be translocated to protect transplants following an at-plant application. Swiss chard only.
  • cyromazine (Trigard): 2.66 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, as a transplant or post-seeding drench, as a 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): 3-6 qt/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 beets, 5 to 11 oz/A 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. Swiss chard only.

Slugs

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): 25 lb/A; PHI 1d, 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. Swiss chard only.
Insect Control

Beet and Swiss Chard Weed Control

Beet and Swiss Chard Weed Control ashahane
Beet & Swiss Chard - General Beet & Swiss Chard Disease Control Beet & Swiss Chard Insect Control

NOTES: 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. 

Stale Seedbed

See Stale Seedbed Technique for information on the use of these herbicides or flaming.

  • carfentrazone (Aim EC): REI 12h, Group 14.
  • glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): PHI 7d, REI 4h, Group 9.
  • pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 0.

Preemergent Herbicides (before weeds germinate)

  • cycloate (Ro-Neet): REI 48h, Group 15. Beets only. Apply 0.5-0.66 gal/A per application. Can be applied before, during, or immediately after planting. Apply in 10-50 gal/A of spray. Incorporate immediately 2-3” into the soil. Use on mineral soils only. Use the lower rate on sandy soils and the higher rate on silt and clay soils.
  • dimethenamid (Outlook): PHI 60d, REI 12h, Group 15. Beets only. Apply 8-21 oz/A, up to 2 applications allowed per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed 21 oz/A per year. If applying as a split application, apply half to two-thirds the rate at the first application and the remaining at the second application. Application rate depends on soil texture and organic matter content. Apply to beets that have 2 fully expanded true leaves, but not after they have 6 fully expanded leaves. Temporary leaf damage may occur and applying before the 2-leaf stage may cause significant crop injury.
  • s-metolachlor (Dual Magnum): REI 24h, Group 15. MA, ME, and NH 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.

Postemergent Herbicides (after weeds germinate)

  • carfentrazone (Aim EC): PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 14. Apply 0.5-2 oz/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 6.1 oz/A per year. Apply 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” tall and rosettes less than 3” across. Can also apply up to 2 oz/A as a preplant burndown no later than 7 days before direct-seeding Swiss chard.
  • clethodim (Select Max): PHI 30d, REI 24h, Group 1. Apply 9-16 oz/A per application, up to 4 applications allowed per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed 64 oz/A per year. Apply to actively growing grasses. Add 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal of spray). Can also be applied as a spot-spray by mixing 0.33-0.66% (0.44-0.85 oz/gal) Select Max and 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (0.33 oz/gal). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
  • clopyralid (Stinger): PHI 30d, REI 12h, Group 4. Beets only. Apply 4-8 oz/A per application, up to 2 applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 8 oz/A per year. Apply when beets are in the 2- to 8-leaf stage and weeds are young and actively growing, between 2-4" tall. Spray additives are not recommended.
  • glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): PHI 14d, REI 4h, Group 9. Apply 10 oz to 3.1 qts/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 5 qts/A per year. Rate based on target weed species. Can be applied during fallow intervals, prior to planting or transplanting, at planting, or before crop has emerged. Could cause injury when applied prior to transplanting or direct-seeding into plastic mulch. Remove residual product from plastic mulch with a 0.5” of water through irrigation or rainfall prior to planting.
  • pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 0. Apply a 3-10% solution (3-10 gallons per 100 gallons of spray). Rate based on target weed species. Apply in 75-200 gal/A of spray or with a spot sprayer until foliage is wet but not to the point of runoff. Repeat applications as necessary. Can apply for vegetative burndown during site preparation, prior to crop emergence from soil, as a directed and shielded spray during crop growth taking care to avoid contact with foliage and green tissue of crops, or after harvest. For beets, can also apply as a harvest aid to remove crop leaves.
  • sethoxydim (Poast): PHI 60d for beets, 30d for chard, REI 12h, Group 1. For beets, apply up to 2.5 pt/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed 5 pts/A per year. For chard, apply up to 1.5 pt/A per application, multiple applications are allowed, a minimum of 14 days between applications. Do not exceed 3 pts/A per year. Apply to actively growing grasses. Use with crop oil concentrate (2 pt/A) or methylated seed oil (1.5 pt/A). Note that crop oil can cause injury under hot and humid conditions. Can also be applied as a spot-spray by mixing 1-1.5% (1.3-1.9 oz/gal) Poast and 1% v:v crop oil concentrate (1.3 oz/gal). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
Weed Control