Clubroot

Clubroot, a soil-borne disease that affects the roots of cruciferous field and vegetable crops, is of particular concern because the resting spores of the pathogen can survive in the soil for many years and there are no economical or practical control methods available in field crops, such as canola.

Farmers are encouraged to scout canola and mustard for clubroot symptoms this July and August, keeping in mind that the clubroot-infested plants have deformed roots (galls).  The galls reduce the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to stunting, wilting, yellowing, premature ripening and, ultimately, yield losses.  The disease is favoured by warm, wet soils and low soil pH.

Remember, clubroot can spread through the movement of soil contaminated with resting spores, so cleaning field equipment, particularly equipment originating from known infested areas, will help prevent movement of this disease to and within Saskatchewan.

For more information on clubroot identification and management:

Visit www.clubroot.ca or

Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre @ 1-866-457-2377