What Is It? | Facts in Depth | For the Professional Diagnostician
Ashlina Chin & Sally A. Miller
Clubroot is a common disease of cruciferous plants and weeds. The causal agent of this disease is a soilborne slime mold Plasmodiophora brassicae. This pathogen can survive in soil for many years. When a susceptible host is present, spores germinate and penetrate the growing plant roots. The roots become malformed and swollen, forming galls. Due to this swelling, the host has a difficult time taking up water, which leads to extreme wilting and eventual death. Managing this disease consists of planting in a well-drained soil that has a pH of 7 or above.
Scientific Name
- Plasmodiophora brassicae
Host Crops
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Chinese Cabbage
- Turnips
- Radishes
