What's eating my cylindra beetroot?

Cylindra beetroot — with its long cylindrical roots extending deeper into the soil — is vulnerable to the same pests as round varieties. Beet leaf miner is the most common leaf pest; slugs can bore into exposed root tops; aphids attack foliage. Pigeons target seedlings. Mesh covers from sowing provide the broadest protection.

Pale, blotchy papery mines inside leaves as fly larvae feed within leaf tissue; multiple generations per season. Insect-proof mesh (1.3 mm) over the bed from sowing; remove affected leaves promptly; no approved foliar pesticide reaches larvae inside leaves.

Holes in seedling leaves and damage to the top of elongated roots where they sit near the soil surface. Ferric phosphate pellets; slug nematodes in moist soil; avoid over-watering in evening.

Black colonies on young leaves; growth distortion, honeydew, and sooty mould. Squash colonies by hand; attract ladybirds with companion flowers; insecticidal soap for larger colonies.

Pull up or strip seedling leaves shortly after germination, sometimes clearing entire rows. Net or fleece seedbeds immediately after sowing; remove covers once plants are 10 cm tall and established.