Overwinter Cover Crop update (Aug 2020)

Previous BBRO work has clearly shown that cover crops ahead of sugar beet can have a positive impact on soils properties, helping to improve soil structure, soil biology, organic matter, and nutrition. These effects are frequently translated into improved sugar beet yields. However, in the face of increasing levels of beet yellows virus, are these benefits outweighed by the potential green-bridging effect of cover crops on aphids?