Clubroot Confirmed in Starland County

The first occurrence of Clubroot was recently confirmed in Starland County. Clubroot is a serious soil-borne crop disease that affects canola and other cruciferous crops. Clubroot causes the formation of galls on the roots, which leads to premature death of the plant. Clubroot was first confirmed in Alberta in 2003 when it was found in a canola field NW of Edmonton, and it was declared as a pest under the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act in 2007.

Clubroot is spread mainly through the movement of soil containing Clubroot spores, typically transported on equipment, vehicles, and through erosion. Clubroot spores have a long half-life of approximately 4 years, however spores have been shown to survive up to 20 years in soil. There is currently no treatment for this crop disease, however it can be effectively managed to reduce the severity of its impact on crop yield. Best management practices for Clubroot include: regular scouting of fields, appropriate crop rotation, seeding resistant canola varieties, and sanitizing / washing equipment.

The Starland County Agricultural Services staff survey canola fields in the County for Clubroot on an annual basis and encourage all canola growers to scout their fields also. A critical step in managing Clubroot is early detection. Symptoms of Clubroot in canola may present as galls on the root of the plant, premature ripening, wilting of the plant, and stunted growth. Clubroot is commonly found in the entrances to fields, but it can occur in any portion of a field.

If you require more information or if you would like an inspector to survey your field, please contact Starland County Agricultural Services at 403-772-3793

Additional information on Clubroot can be found in the following links:

Alberta Agriculture & Forestry Map of Clubroot in Alberta
Cumulative Clubroot Infestations 2003-2018

Alberta Agriculture & Forestry Clubroot Disease of Canola and Mustard
Clubroot Disease of Canola and Mustard

Alberta Agriculture & Forestry Clubroot Management Plan
Alberta Clubroot Management Plan

Canola Council Brochure – All About Clubroot
All About Clubroot

Canola Council Brochure – Equipment Sanitation Guide
Equipment Sanitation Guide

Canola Council Clubroot Information
Clubroot.ca