BrettYoung’s Clubroot DefendR: Broad Resistance with a Multi-genic Approach

If you missed Part 1, you can read it here.

With the presence of new Clubroot (CR) pathotypes being found across the Western Canadian and Northern US prairies that can overcome first generation CR resistance it’s important to be aware of the ways to combat the evolving disease. Concurrent with the identification of new pathotypes, breeders have been identifying and incorporating new sources of resistance into the latest canola hybrids. This includes the stacking of multiple sources of resistance to CR in varieties like 6076 CR. This variety has resistance to the older pathotypes that were first identified on the Prairies (2F, 3H, 5I, 6M and 8N) and also to many newer pathotypes, including: 3A, 2B, 3D, 8E, 5G, 5K, 3O and 5X.

If you live in an area where CR is a concern, there are some best management practices you can follow in order to reduce your risk of infection and yield loss.

Recommended CR Management Practices:

• Extend canola crop rotations to reduce spore load in soil

• In areas of higher risk, use first-generation resistant hybrids prior to infestation to delay the accumulation of CR spore loads that cause symptoms

• Use next-generation resistant hybrids with a minimum of three-year rotation in fields with high levels of infestation

• Scout fields to detect presence of disease symptoms

• Soil test to detect presence of pathogen spores

• Sanitize equipment properly

• Control canola volunteers and weeds that act as CR host plants

Growers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and other areas not impacted by pathotype 3A can prevent the accumulation of spores for as long as possible by using resistant varieties such as 6090 RR, BY 6204TF and BY 5125CL. BY 6207TF and 6076 CR are recommended for areas where incidence of resistance breakdown is suspected. 

Learn more about BrettYoung Clubroot resistant varieties by contacting your Regional Account Manager.