Manitoba Agriculture Educates About Clubroot

Clubroot disease is a soil borne pathogen that was first found in canola in Manitoba back in 2013. It affects host plant roots, causing gulls to form on the roots which choke off the plant leading to death by drought stress.

Manitoba Agriculture says clubroot has been found in 33 different fields in 7 RM's across the province. Oilseed Specialist Dane Froese adds the actual number is probably higher than what's being reported.

He notes the province is using the carrot approach, rather than the stick in dealing with clubroot.

"Clubroot is not listed as a regulated pest in Manitoba, opposite of what's being done in Alberta and Saskatchewan. That being said there's no financial penalty or legal ramification that can be done, should clubroot be reported on a canola field in Manitoba."

Froese compared Manitoba with our neighbours to the west.

"Manitoba is definitely the last to receive clubroot infection. We reported it earlier than Saskatchewan but due to the number of fields now reported in Saskatchewan we have the lowest overall percentage of infection and we'd like to keep it that way."

Ways to reduce the risk include increased biosecurity, lengthening crop rotation, growing a clubroot resistant variety, and scouting.

Canola farmers looking to put together a plan can go to www.clubroot.ca