Clubroot inoculum management for sustainable canola production

The Challenge

Resistance breakdown through the appearance of novel clubroot pathotypes is undermining the usefulness of resistant cultivars as a clubroot management tool.

The Project

Determine the spore population levels that are safe for the use of clubroot-resistant cultivars and develop a knowledge-based resistance deployment strategy.

The Results

Within field spread of clubroot inoculum was more strongly impacted by soil movement from wind/machinery than it was by soil pH, boron, and magnesium levels. Application of hydrated lime and weed management both reduced clubroot spore population in soil, and lime reduced clubroot severity in susceptible hosts, but the lowest levels of disease and highest yields were obtained with resistant hosts.

Grower Benefits

This project investigates methods of inoculum mitigation to prevent clubroot establishment and develop sustainable, realistic strategies for canola farmers affected by clubroot in Canada.