Clubroot Disease
Plasmodiophora brassicae
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameClubroot Disease
DescriptionClubroot causes cabbage and broccoli roots to swell into gnarled, useless knots. Identify sudden midday wilting to catch this long-lived soil pathogen.
TypeBacteria
FamilyPlasmodiophoraceae
GenusPlasmodiophora
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumCercozoa
ClassPhytomyxea
OrderPlasmodiophorida
Features
- Named for the massive, club-like swelling and distortion it causes to the roots of host plants. It is caused by a soil-borne protist (not a true fungus)
- Characterized by stunted plant growth and foliage that wilts during the heat of the day but recovers at night. Leaves may eventually turn yellow or purple
- The pathogen infects root hairs and causes plant cells to multiply and enlarge abnormally. This destroys the root's ability to absorb water and nutrients
- Uprooting a wilted plant reveals dramatic, gnarled, spindly, or club-shaped swellings on the primary and secondary roots. These 'clubs' eventually rot into a foul-smelling mass
- Produces resting spores that can survive in the soil for 10-20 years. Spread by moving infected soil via tools, boots, or water runoff
- The organism is microscopic. The visible club-like deformations on the roots are the primary indicator of infection
- Thrives in cool, wet, and acidic (low pH) soils. High soil moisture is essential for the mobile 'zoospores' to swim and infect root hairs
- Only attacks plants in the Brassicaceae (mustard) family, including cabbage, broccoli, kale, radish, turnip, and many common weeds
- Prevent by raising soil pH to 7.2 or higher using lime. Ensure excellent soil drainage. Never move plants or soil from infected gardens
- No chemical cure exists for the soil. Rotating crops (5-7 years) and strictly controlling cruciferous weeds can slowly reduce the spore count in the soil
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificPlasmodiophora brassicae
English (Alternate)Club foot, Finger and toe disease
Hindiक्लब रूट (Club root)
Tamilவேர் முடிச்சு நோய் (Ver mudichu noy)
Teluguక్లబ్రూట్ (Clubroot)
Malayalamക്ലബ് റൂട്ട് (Klab rūṭṭ)
Kannadaಬೇರು ಗಂಟು ರೋಗ (Bēru gaṇṭu rōga)
Sanskritमूल-గ్రన్థి-రోగ (Mūla-granthi-roga)
Bengaliক্লাব রুট (Club root)
Frenchhernie du chou
Russianкила капусты (kila kapusty)
Spanishhernia de la col
GermanKohlhernie
