Clubroot in compost?

[Ros P]

I seem to have clubroot in brassicas that I baught from the Garden Centre and then planted in a large hole filled with John Innes No. 3, any ideas anybody???

[Ros P]

I seem to have clubroot in brassicas that I baught from the Garden Centre and then planted in a large hole filled with John Innes No. 3, any ideas anybody???

I seem to have Clubroot in Brassicas purchased from the Garden Centre and then planted in a large hole filled with John Innes No 3 any ideas as to why anybody???

[Capsid]

The fungus can still spread into the compost from the surrounding soil. You should mix in lime when planting to help reduce the chances of getting it.

[Snadger]

Or.................John Innes no3 was made with un-sterilised soil at source? Or.............compost that plants were originally growing in had clubroot fungus?

Which is why it is always better to grow your own brassicas from seed.

If you are 100% sure you didn't have clubroot in the soil before you could try digging out the affected areas, including the added JI compost and dispose of them. Clubroot is a microscopic fungal complaint though and however thorough you are, you may not get all of the affected soil..................still worth a try though!

[Ros P]

Many Thanks Snadger for your reply, another question or two if I may.........does one single root coming into contact with infected soil cause clubroot in the entire root system, or just in that particular root strand?? yes I do have clubroot in the soil, and I do normally grow my own from seed into 3" pots and then plant out into compost filled holes, along with a sprinkling of Lime, but sometimes this isn't enough either - maybe I ought to go in for Prize Geraniums or something! Regards Ros P

[Snadger]

Many Thanks Snadger for your reply, another question or two if I may.........does one single root coming into contact with infected soil cause clubroot in the entire root system, or just in that particular root strand?? yes I do have clubroot in the soil, and I do normally grow my own from seed into 3" pots and then plant out into compost filled holes, along with a sprinkling of Lime, but sometimes this isn't enough either - maybe I ought to go in for Prize Geraniums or something! Regards Ros P

Because the clubroot fungus is at the molecular level a single root affected could be enough to severely stunt the plants growth. The soil fauna including worms, cenipedes,slugs,millipedes etc could all play a part in spreading the fungus.

Growing in pots to start with is a tried and trusted method but will never be 100% effective. What it usually does is allow the plants to build up a fairly decent root system before being attacked which will probably see the plant through to maturity. Clubroot resistant cabbages and caulis are available and they are maybe one answer you could try.
Kales, with there close cellular structure usually survive an attack well.
I've found that Spring cabbage seem to do ok, which leads me to believe that clubroot is a warm weather fungus attacking summer growing brassicas more than winter ones.

[rustylady]

Are you absolutely sure it's clubroot??