Action needed now on clubroot

A tailored plan is required to contain the spread of clubroot, a devastating disease of brassicas, in order to sustain the production of important UK crops such as oilseed rape, turnips and Swedes, growers have been warned.

The latest research revealed in a report issued this week by the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) draws attention to the increasing prevalence of the disease, the diverse nature of the clubroot population, its patchy occurrence and the rise of strains able to overcome varietal resistance.

The research found that Clubroot, caused by the pathogen pl as mod i op ho ra brassicae, had increased in the UK, encouraged by the trend for shorter rotations, along with milder and wetter winters.

Amanda Bennett, who manages soilborne disease research at the organisation said: “Strains of clubroot that can break resistance were found across the UK. “Growers should make use of integrated approaches to control this disease, including the use of non-susceptible crops in the rotation, to avoid driving the selection of resistance-breaking strains.”

She continued by saying that growers should measure and record clubroot pressures, and document where resistant varieties have been grown: “Such records can act as the foundation of an integrated clubroot management strategy.”

Bennett added that as the use of resistant varieties was no longer proving as effective, producers should follow the updated guidance to help them map clubroot pressures and identify management options, which include targeted treatment of problematic patches.