This paper reviews previous studies on sources of resistance to pests and d
iseases in wild Beta species and the attempts to introgress these into suga
r beet. Preliminary results of the evaluations carried out on wild species
since 1996 in the current GENRES CT95-42 collaborative programme are also r
eported. Pests and diseases for which information is available include beet
cyst nematode, Cercospora leaf spot, Rhizoctonia root rot, Rhizomania, Pow
dery mildew (Erysiphe), Downy mildew (Peronospora), Beet yellowing viruses,
Beet mosaic virus, Curly top virus and Aphanomyces and Pythium seedling di
seases. Examples of resistance to all of these can be found in wild species
, either in the sexually compatible Beta Section Beta (e.g. B. vulgaris ssp
. maritima) or, more widely, in Sections Corollinae and/or Procumbentes. Th
e prospects of utilizing these sources of resistance are discussed.