Supporting continued development of clubroot resistant canola and early detection of clubroot outbreaks

The Challenge

In 2007, the first confirmed Plasmodiophora brassicae field in Southern Alberta was detected. Williams pathotype 5 is the dominant race.

The Project

Enhance clubroot surveillance in southern Alberta and allow hybrid canola seed companies to screen their varieties against pathotype 5 in a naturally-occurring irrigated clubroot nursery.

The Results

Around 900 fields were surveyed in southern Alberta over four years with Dr. Stephen Strelkov’s Provincial clubroot survey and no new positive clubroot fields were detected. Over 60 canola varieties were tested at the nursery, and some have become commercially available clubroot-resistant varieties. Extension and training also occurred at the nursery where hundreds of people attended to learn more about clubroot scouting and management.

Grower Benefits

Being able to screen seed companies new varieties for pathotype 5 resistance allows the grower to obtain a canola cultivar that has a more robust clubroot resistant package. Annual survey for clubroot provides early detection of any new outbreaks and allows proactive management responses.