This allows the use of susceptible, but high yielding, varieties, and saves costs associated with other control measures. The hostile spring weather conditions are the most important limitation for sugarbeets. Frequent frosts and wind damage account for stand losses and the necessity for replanting about 10 to 20 percent of the acreage each year. Research has demonstrated the importance of early crop establishment in the short season available. Replanting results in a minimum loss of three weeks from a 30-week growing season.
Weed control is the second most important factor in profitability.
An array of chemicals are available to control common weed species. Timeliness of applications is the key to success. Adverse weather conditions, particularly windy periods that prevent spraying, or frosts in crops that have been stressed by herbicide injury, present challenges. When chemical control measures fail, salvage by hand labor is very expensive. Local research has demonstrated dramatic yield losses when weed control is not achieved.