Integrated Management Approach for Clubroot in Crucifers

Clubroot disease seriously infects crucifers in Benguet. Its causal organism Plasmodiophoar brassica Wor. Produces clubs on roots.

Mariano et al. (BPI-BNCRDC) surveyed 1285.5 ha in Benguet for the occurrence of the clubroot disease from 1989 to 1994. This disease was observed in 37.75% of t he area surveyed at various degrees of severity. The most affected b arangays wre: Bosleng, Paoay, Engladad, Sayangan, Bonglo, Km. 53, 54, and Timbac in Atok; Mud-ayan and Natubleng in Buguias; Madaymen, Masala, and Nangayangan in Kibungan and Pico, and Balili, La Trinidad. Only sporadic infection was noted in Sinisip, Buguias, and Dontogan, Baguio. The disease was not observed in Mt. Province.

Twenty-seven varieties of Chinese cabbage tested in the field were susceptible to clubroot except Chorus CR and ‘Yuki’. The two varieties developed only very small clubs on the secondary roots. All entries of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and pechay which were tested were found susceptible.

Of the fungicides evaluated, pentachloro nitrobenzene at 75 and 100 kg/ha significantly reduced clubroot infection. The combination of calcium cyanamide (Perlka) at 900 and 1200 kg/ha and PCNB 20D at 75 and 100 kg/ha likewise effectively lowered clubroot infection to 1%. Consequently, yields obtained from plants with this treatments were three times more than the control plants. Also, continuous planting of non-host crops such as potato, carrots, beans, and celery for five cropping seasons reduced clubroot infection and increased harvest by 400%.

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©2006