Clubroot has been ravaging fields in 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 creating 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 some sources of clubroot resistance. Pathotype 3A is the most common in the region, followed closely by 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 Clubroot DefendR hybrid is a strong step in the fight against clubroot. Along with the identification of new pathotypes, plant breeders have been identifying and incorporating new sources of resistance into their latest canola hybrids. This includes the stacking of multiple sources of clubroot resistance in hybrids like the new BY 7202LL and BY 7206LL, plus other key products within the BrettYoung lineup such as BY 7204LL, BY 6216TF, and BY 6217TF. These hybrids have resistance to the predominant pathotypes (3A, 3D, & 3H) which account for over 60% of the pathotypes identified in Western Canada. BrettYoung’s Clubroot DefendR hybrids also provide protection against other common pathotypes like 8E, 8N, 8P, 9E, 8A, 5L, 5G, 8D, and 5C, among many others that are less common.
BrettYoung, through our primary canola genetics supplier, DL Seeds, continues to screen clubroot resistant hybrids against the most common and newly emerging 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 like 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.
BrettYoung Clubroot DefendR #
Clubroot is now established in all three Prairie provinces. Since 2013, when the first resistance-breaking pathotype was identified in Alberta, several new and more virulent pathotypes have evolved that can evade the original source of clubroot resistance. The Clubroot DefendR trait indicates the canola hybrid has stacked sources of clubroot resistance. This approach signifies resistance to the older, first-identified pathotypes like 3H, but also resistance to other predominant pathotypes like 3A and 3D. DL Seeds has a robust pipeline coupled to high performance hybrids that BrettYoung will continue to commercialize to support you in keeping one step ahead of this impactful disease.
