Key Points
- Removal and control of beet bolters should be part of the crop management for fodder beet crops.
- Sowing too early or adding unnecessary plant stress increases the risk of bolting seedlings.
- Viable seed from bolted plants can remain in the seed bed for up to 10 years.
- In Mid-Canterbury especially, another major concern of bolters is the potential for cross-pollination with other beet varieties/species, with pollen capable of travelling up to 20 km.
- Bolted plants should be pulled no later than when the seed is soft and green.
- Back-to-back fodder beet crops should be avoided, as bolters from the first crop can reduce beet yield in the following crop as well as transfer diseases and pests. For these reasons, wait at least four years before bringing beet back into the rotation.