Beet leaf curl virus

Beet leaf curl virus (BCLV) is a plant pathogenic virus of the family Rhabdoviridae. It's most important hosts are sugarbeet and fodder beet, but it may also infect other beets and spinach.

Symptoms
Three distinct forms of the disease are recognized on sugarbeet: a severe and progressive form, starting early in the year; a similarly severe form, interrupted by periods of normal growth and a mild form, starting later in the season. There is an initial glassiness or translucence of the leaf veins and petioles, which then become swollen and, since they do not grow as fast as the rest of the leaf, acquire a markedly crinkly appearance. The crown is stimulated to form new leaves which remain small and curve inwards to form a compact bunch, resembling the head of cabbage lettuce. Growth is arrested, older leaves die. However, death of the plant before harvest rarely occurs.

Prevention
The only control methods available are those directed against the vector ; Piesma quadratum, the beet lace bug.