Heterodera schachtii Sugar beet cyst nematode Damage to Sugar beets.  Heterodera schachtii is a major parasite of sugar beets, causing serious stand and yield reductions. Biology.  Like other cyst nematodes, H. schachtii overwinters as eggs and juveniles, remaining dormant inside the cyst  which is the body of the dead female. After emerging, juveniles infect the root near the root tips, establishing a feeding site where they continue to develop.  Ecology.   H. schachtii is present in nearly half the states in the United States and in 39 other sugar beet-growing countries. Symptoms.  H. schachtii causes stunting and yellowing of plants, misshapen and excess fiberous roots. Damage to other crops.  Although H. schachtii has a number of other host crops, it presently is known to cause economic losses only in sugar beets. Control.  Nematicides have been found to be effective, as well as rotation of crops and trap-crops. References.  Sugarbeet Nematodes (UC Pest Management Guidelines