2026 clubroot scouting will occur in Yellowhead County from approximately Aug. 24-Sept. 25.

As Fall approaches, officials with Yellowhead County say it’s a good time to remember that clubroot has been detected in the county.

Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that significantly reduces yields in cruciferous like canola, mustards and certain vegetables. It causes galls or “clubs” to form on the roots of infected plants, which hinders their ability to absorb water and nutrients, ultimately lowering crop yields. According to county officials, areas with higher infection rates often experience more severe losses.

In 2015, the county says new clubroot pathotypes were identified in the Edmonton region that can overcome even resistant seed varieties. Yellowhead County Pest Inspectors will be scouting for clubroot in canola and other Brassicaceae crops throughout the county from approximately Aug. 24-Sept. 25. Officials say scouting will follow strict prevention measures to reduce the risk
of spreading the disease.

The county says clubroot spreads primarily through the soil movement from infected to non-infected fields. Soil can be carried by farm equipment, vehicles, and even wind or water erosion. Officials say proper sanitation of machinery and equipment is crucial to stop the spread of clubroot.

The county says crop rotation is strongly recommended to reduce the severity of clubroot infections. Officials say growing canola continuously on the same land increases the risk and severity of outbreaks.

Although there is no cure for infected plants, the county notes there are steps you can take to prevent clubroot from becoming established:

• Check fields regularly for signs of clubroot such as galls or clubs on roots, premature ripening and wilting plants
• Before moving to a new field, remove all dirt from wheels and sanitize all equipment and vehicles using a 1%
solution (99% water)
• Use clubroot resistant seed varieties when planting

For more information, visit www.clubroot.ca or contact the Yellowhead County Agricultural Department at the Wildwood
County Office at 780-325-3782 or toll-free at 1-800-814-3935.