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Clubroot
Disease Plasmodiophora brassicae
Wilting or dying plantsDamaged roots or bulbsKnots, galls, or swellingsYellow, curled, or mottled leaves
How to spot it
Plants look stunted and yellow and wilt on sunny days. Pull one up: the roots are swollen into knobby clubs.
What it does
Plants stunt or die. The spores last in the soil for 10 to 20 years.
What to do now
- Pull sick plants, roots and all, and throw them away.
Keep it away next time
- Raise the soil pH to about 7.2 with lime.
- Improve drainage, or grow in raised beds.
- Keep cabbage-family crops out of that spot for 7 years.
- Grow resistant varieties, buy clean transplants, and clean soil off tools and boots.
Helpful supplies
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Plants it affects
Every plant in the cabbage family (brassicas).
Not sure? Your county extension office can identify it from a photo or sample, often for free.