VG00044 Clubroot – Prevention & Hygiene

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 :  Clubroot spores persist in soil and can be spread in soil or water

Sources of contamination include :

• Soil carried onto the farm (machinery, bins, reused transplant trays etc)
  and dust blown in on the wind.

• Water particularly from dams receiving runoff from infected paddocks.

Consider the following :

• Restrict unnecessary movement into
  production areas by vehicles, people
  stock and machinery.

• Clearly sign post to limit access.

• Purchase high pressure washing equipment
  and use it routinely to minimise the movement
  of soil on equipment and machinery.

• Provide a foot bath for visitors.

• Identify and eliminate sources of contamination.

• Keep seedling trays off the ground.

• Return empty trays to a pallet or rack.

Check that :

• Seedlings are of high quality and from a reputable source.

• Dams are free of the clubroot pathogen and not receiving runoff from infected fields.

• Shared equipment is thoroughly cleaned before entering your property.

• All workers and visitors are aware of hygiene protocols.

• Where possible always work the low risk areas before the high risk areas of the farm.

• Use high pressure washing equipment at the end of each day.

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).