Disease
Clubroot
A soil-borne slime mould disease that infects brassica roots, causing large distorted swollen galls that prevent normal water and nutrient uptake.
Symptoms to Look For
- Plants wilting dramatically in warm weather even when soil is moist
- Yellowing leaves and stunted, unproductive plants
- Roots pulled up to reveal large distorted swollen clubs instead of normal root structures
Affected Plants
BrassicaRadishTurnipSwede
Organic Solutions
Lime the soil
Apply ground limestone to raise soil pH above 7.0 - the disease is severe in acid soils and significantly reduced at higher pH levels.
Improve drainage
Raise beds or add grit to improve drainage as the pathogen thrives in waterlogged, compacted soils.
Prevention
- Never move soil or plant material from a known infested plot to a clean area - spores persist in soil for 20+ years
- Grow brassicas on a minimum 7-year rotation and be strict about not breaking it
- Start transplants in sterile compost-filled modules rather than direct sowing to give plants a clean start
Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.