Detection and diagnosis of fungal and physiological diseases in sugar beet cultivation areas of Ilgin and Akşehi̇r districts

This study was conducted during the 2025 growing season in the Ilgın and Akşehir districts of Konya province to determine the distribution and seasonal variation of fungal and physiological problems observed in sugar beet across three different vegetation periods. During field surveys, a total of 472 diseased plants were examined, of which 369 were found to be affected by fungal infections. For the identification of fungal organisms, isolations were performed from 105 plants, and fungal species were determined in the laboratory based on macroscopic, microscopic, and cultural characteristics. The study revealed that root and stem fungi such as Fusarium spp., Pythium sp., Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Alternaria sp., Chaetomium sp., and Bipolaris sorokiniana, as well as common foliar fungi including Cercospora beticola, Erysiphe betae, and Ramularia beticola, were prevalent. It was determined that foliar fungal diseases became dominant, particularly during the third survey period. In addition to fungal organisms, physiological disorders were recorded in a total of 103 plants. These included nutrient-related problems such as chlorosis, necrosis, and deformation caused by deficiencies of manganese, boron, phosphorus, and iron, as well as abiotic stress symptoms including frost damage, sunburn, water stress, and root forking. These disorders were evaluated to be mainly associated with irregular irrigation practices, soil heterogeneity, and climatic fluctuations. Significant differences were observed between the districts in terms of the prevalence of both fungal and physiological problems, which were attributed to variations in environmental conditions, soil characteristics, and agricultural management practices. The findings indicate that regular survey studies, early diagnosis, and appropriate disease management strategies are of critical importance due to the seasonal variability observed throughout the growing period.