clubroot

[rook]

We farm in a high-risk area for clubroot. So far I haven't seen it. Does anyone know if there is any way to tell from the stubble or from sampling the canola in the bin?

[mhartman]

Clubroot patches in a field will have ripened earlier than uninfested areas. The stubble of healthy canola will retain a green color until weathered by rain and sun, whereas the clubroot infected plants will have white to pale stubble, somewhat like sclerotinia. When patches like that are noticed, pull up the plants and look for peaty appearance of roots rather than white healthy roots (even shortly after harvest). If peaty roots are found, dig up some more carefully and the galls then can be discerned. If there is any doubt, samples of soil / gall can be sent to 2020 seed labs for confirmation (for a fee). Check out the pictures in the factsheet at
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex8593

Canola in the bin will not have any distinct symptoms from clubroot. Although clubroot infested canola will have smaller seeds, this also occurs due to frost, drought, lack of nutrients etc. There will be few spores present on the canola and the test by 2020 Seed Labs probably won't detect this low level.

[rook]

thanks for the info

[biovision]

BioVision Seed Labs also conducts the test. Contact information is 1-800-952-5407. I work for BioVision and don't mean to use this forum to promote our services but I would be happy to answer any questions you have with regards to the test. Murray has given an excellent synopsis of what to look for in the field.

[Southpaw]

Murray, do we know how the disease travels? Does it move by dirt? Can the disease then be spread by the dust on the seed?

[darren442]

As i was told it moves with the dirt/residue, so when you move your impliments from field to field with out cleaning them infected soil/residue can be moved with them and deposited in other fields. But i'm sure there is more to it then that

[Burbert]

Check with your County Mountie, gag specialist. He is going to be policing the clubrot, and kin shut your framing op down. If he does as fine a job as with fusarium, clubrot will be no problem. Shout, shovel and shudup. Hear no clubrot, see no clubrot, there is no clubrot! Get me drift??? Similar as the angry cow sitiation!!!!!!!!!