What's eating my 'golden' beetroot?

Golden beetroot faces the same pest pressures as other beet varieties: beet leaf miners tunnel through leaves, black bean aphids colonise stems, and slugs shred seedlings. Its yellow pigment does not confer extra resistance. Early row covers are the most effective preventive measure against all three main threats.

Whitish blister-like tunnels winding through leaves; heavy infestation causes leaves to wither, starving the swelling root. Cover beds with fine insect mesh from germination. Remove and dispose of infested leaves. Rotate beets to a fresh plot each year to break the life cycle.

Sticky black colonies on growing tips and leaf undersides; sooty mould follows, further reducing vigour. Rub off small colonies by hand. Spray with diluted insecticidal soap or neem oil. Attract beneficial insects with companion flowers (marigolds, phacelia).

Ragged holes in cotyledons and young leaves; seedlings may be entirely consumed overnight in wet weather. Apply iron phosphate pellets. Set beer traps at soil level. Thin plants to improve air circulation, reducing damp micro-habitats slugs favour.