New Clubroot Pathotype Discovered in Alberta

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

The Canola Council of Canada confirmed the presence of a new clubroot pathotype in the Edmonton, Alberta.

Clubroot poses a serious economic threat to growers, as it can cause up to 80 per cent yield loss in infected canola fields. The discovery of a new pathotype is concerning because there are no clubroot resistant canola varieties available at this time to manage this particular pathotype.

The Canola Council urges growers to make an effort to reduce the amount of soil that is moved between fields. Minimizing soil transfer requires farmers to clean their equipment thoroughly between all fields, not just canola fields, because clubroot spores can linger in the soil for years.

DuPont to Work with the Canola Industry

Shortly after the news broke that a different clubroot pathotype had been confirmed, DuPont pledged to continue and work with the Canola Council of Canada to address management strategies for clubroot. In 2009, DuPont introduced the first clubroot resistant canola hybrids.

DuPont reminds growers to follow ‘three P’ management practices:

1. Prevent infestation
2. Practice rotation
3. Protect fields