Clubroot
Plasmodiophora brassicae
What is Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae)?
Clubroot, caused by a soil-borne pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, poses a significant threat to Brassica crops worldwide, including vegetables like cabbage, radish, cauliflower, and broccoli. It is particularly common in cool and moist climates. The pathogen infects the roots of these plants, causing them to develop swollen, or "clubs." It impairs the plant's ability to take up water and nutrients, resulting in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and eventual plant death. Clubroot can persist in the soil for several years, making it challenging to control. It is a known problem in several Canadian provinces.
How does Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) occur?
Clubroot is reproduced through resting spores in the soil. These spores germinate into motile zoospores, which infect susceptible plant roots, causing the formation of galls. As the galls mature, they release more resting spores into the soil. These resting spores can survive in the soil for several years, even in the absence of host plants. When a new susceptible plant is grown in the infested soil, the resting spores germinate, restarting its life. Spread occurs through soil movement and contaminated materials.
Symptoms
2 - Plant Effects
Clubroot causes root deformities, reduces nutrient uptake, stunts growth, and leads to plant death, resulting in significant yield losses.
3 - Soil Effects
The presence of clubroot alters soil structure and nutrient availability. The galls formed on infected roots can impede soil aeration and water infiltration. Moreover, the long-term survival of the pathogen can disrupt soil health.
Solutions
7 - Soil Solarization
• Clear the affected area of plant debris and weeds. • Moisten the soil to ensure good heat conduction. • Cover the soil with clear plastic sheets, securing the edges to create a seal. • Leave the plastic sheets in place for 4-6 weeks during the hottest period of the year. • The heat trapped under the plastic will help reduce the population of Plasmodiophora brassicae and other soil-borne pathogens.
9 - Biofumigation
• Plant biofumigant crops such as mustards (Brassica juncea) in the affected area. • Allow the plants to grow until they reach the flowering stage. • Incorporate the biofumigant crops into the soil while still green, chopping them finely. • Cover the soil with a plastic sheet or tarp to trap the released gases. • Leave the cover in place for 2-4 weeks, allowing the breakdown of plant tissues to release bioactive compounds that suppress the pathogen.
10 - Resistant Varieties and Soil Amendments
• Plant brassica crop varieties that have been specifically bred for resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae. • Amend the soil with calcium to raise the pH level above 7.0, creating an unfavorable environment for the pathogen. • Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its structure and nutrient content. • Maintain proper soil moisture levels and drainage to discourage disease development.
Susceptible Species
FAQ
Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?
Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.
Can my monstera plant get root rot?
Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.
Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?
No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.
What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?
If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.
Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.
Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?
Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.
Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?
No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.
