VG00044 Clubroot - Managing outbreaks

Clubroot is the most serious soilborne disease affecting brassicas world wide.

Clubroot is caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae Woronin, an obligate biotrophic parasite.

Australian crop losses are estimated at between 5 and 10% of production.

Clubroot is endemic in most of the major production regions of Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

FACT :  Isolated or small outbreaks of clubroot can be eradicated

Dealing with outbreaks :

• Identify the disease and its extent.
  
  
• Contact your agronomist, State Agriculture Office or Diagnostic Service provider for assistance.
  
  
• Quarantine by marking off an area at least 3 metres from the outer edge of the infected plants
  
  
• Remove all plants within this area.
  
  
• Dispose by digging up diseased plants and bagging the roots and attached soil.
  
  
• Discard diseased plants by burning or disposing in an industrial landfill.

Fungicides will not kill established Clubroot disease.

Acknowlegements:
Financial support for this research has been provided by: Horticulture Australia Limited, the vegetable growers R&D levy and Stae Departments of Agriculture.

Thanks to the following growers for their assistance with trial work:

Thanks to the following for their technical assistance on the project:

Statistical advice by Fiona Thomson and Nam Ky Nguyen (Department of Primary Industries, Vic).