Clubroot has been ravaging fields in parts of Western Canada for almost two decades now. The soil-borne disease causes galls to form on the roots of canola plants, eventually killing them prematurely. It’s well documented in intensive clubroot zones that short canola rotations are a serious factor in aggravating the disease, and creates conditions for it to thrive in allowing new pathotypes to emerge.
The University of Alberta has identified over 55 clubroot pathotypes in Western Canada, of which many are able to overcome first-generation (1st gen.) type clubroot resistance. Pathotype 3A is the most common in the region, followed closely by pathotypes 3H and 3D.
Clubroot is spread easily through soil movement. Root galls release spores back into the soil where they remain dormant until susceptible plants are grown again. So, if you can’t prevent it, what can you do?
BrettYoung’s Clubroot DefendR: Broad Resistance with a Multi-Genic Approach #
Selection of a BrettYoung Clubroot DefendR® hybrid is a strong step in the fight against clubroot. As clubroot evolves and creates new pathotypes, plant breeders have been identifying and incorporating new sources of next-generation resistance into their latest canola hybrids. For some breeders, like BrettYoung’s primary canola genetics supplier, DL Seeds, this includes the stacking of multiple sources of clubroot resistance into new hybrids like BY 7202LL and BY 7206LL, plus into other key hybrids like BY 7204LL, BY 6223TF, and BY 6217TF. These hybrids resist the older pathotypes that were first identified on the Prairies (2F, 3H, 5I, 6M, and 8N), and to several recently discovered 1st gen. resistance-breaking pathotypes. BrettYoung and DL Seeds continue to screen and offer clubroot resistant hybrids against the most common and newly emerged clubroot pathotypes.
Choose BrettYoung’s Clubroot DefendR hybrids for areas where resistance breakdown is suspected and in other areas to minimize clubroot spore buildup. Hybrids thrive with help from other agronomic practices such as crop scouting and crop rotation.
Clubroot Management Practices #
The Canola Council of Canada has a list of recommendations to manage the spread of clubroot spores by focusing on keeping them low and local.
Keep it LOW
- Scout frequently. Scout diligently and pull plants to catch early infestation, especially in high traffic or moisture prone areas.
- Crop rotation. Maintain a minimum two-year break between canola crops.
- Grow clubroot-resistant hybrids on every acre as part of an integrated pest management strategy.
- Control weeds. Control host brassicae weeds to minimize gall formation and spore release.
Keep it LOCAL
- Reduce tillage to reduce the spread of soil and pathogens within it and between fields.
- Biosecurity. Prevent introduction and the spread of spores by using proper sanitation practices.
- Utilize patch management in small areas with clubroot symptoms.
Growers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and other areas not impacted by clubroot pathotype 3A can prevent the accumulation of spores for as long as possible by using resistant hybrids. Choose BrettYoung’s Clubroot DefendR hybrids for areas where incidence of resistance breakdown is suspected.
