This article provides an update on clubroot, focusing on its management, how to scout for it and the effects it can have on plants and surrounding fields. Key information is shared on clubroot’s infection process, important management strategies and resistant canola varieties.
What is Clubroot?
Clubroot creates galls on the roots of plants by infecting through the root hairs. These galls release spores, which then generate zoospores. These zoospores travel through the soil and through the water table, infecting more Brassica-type plants. This includes both cultivated crops like canola and any type of weed within the Brassica family.
Clubroot Infection Cycle
- Spores infect root hairs: Spores infect the root hairs of Brassica plants.
- Roots form galls: Infected roots form galls.
- Galls release spores: Galls release more spores.
- Zoospores move through soil and water: Zoospores travel through the soil and water to infect additional plants.
- Cycle continues: The cycle continues as new plants are infected.
Importance of Management and Crop Rotation
Managing clubroot is critical to prevent its spread and reduce spore loads in your fields.
Why Crop Rotation Works
- Crop rotation breaks infection cycle: Crop rotation helps break the infection cycle by depriving clubroot of Brassica hosts.
- Lack of hosts decreases spore levels: Without Brassica-type plants to infect, clubroot cannot form more galls, which decreases spore levels over time.
Weed Management
- Remove Brassica weeds: Removing weeds in the Brassica family is vital as they can also be hosts for clubroot infection.
Most Common Clubroot Pathotypes in Alberta
The most prevalent clubroot pathotypes in Alberta are:
- 3A: Pathotype 3A
- 3D: Pathotype 3D
- 3H: Pathotype 3H
Clubroot DefendR® Trait in Canola Varieties
Many canola varieties are available with a DefendR® trait, which offers next generation clubroot resistance. Key points about this trait include:
- Resistance against major pathotypes: Provides resistance against the most common pathotypes: 3A, 3D and 3H as well as many others.
- Ensures crop protection if pathotypes are present: Planting these canola varieties ensures that your crops will not contract those clubroot pathotypes even if they are present in your field.
Best Management Strategies for Clubroot
The most effective clubroot management strategies are:
- Crop rotation to stop clubroot cycle: Crop rotation to prevent clubroot from completing its life cycle.
- Scouting to locate clubroot quickly: Scouting to identify the presence and locations of clubroot, helping to avoid further spread.
- Choose and grow resistant hybrids: Choosing and growing resistant hybrids such as BrettYoung Clubroot DefendR hybrids.
Clubroot is a soil-borne pathogen that infects the root hairs of Brassica plants, causing root galls and ongoing infection cycles. Managing clubroot involves crop rotation, effective scouting and using resistant canola hybrids. The DefendR trait in BrettYoung canola varieties offers protection against the most common pathotypes, helping to reduce crop losses and protect your fields.
FAQ
What is clubroot and how does it affect plants?
Clubroot creates galls on the roots of plants by infecting through the root hairs. These galls release spores, which generate zoospores that travel throughout the soil and water table, infecting more Brassica-type plants.
How does crop rotation help manage clubroot?
Crop rotation helps break the infection cycle by depriving clubroot of Brassica hosts. Without Brassica-type plants to infect, clubroot cannot form more galls, which decreases spore levels over time.
Which are the most common clubroot pathotypes in Alberta?
The most prevalent clubroot pathotypes in Alberta are 3A, 3D, and 3H.
What is the DefendR trait in canola varieties?
The DefendR trait provides resistance against the most common clubroot pathotypes including 3A, 3D and 3H as well as many others. Planting these canola varieties ensures that your crops will not contract those clubroot pathotypes even if they are present in your field.
