Plant Doctor Archive

 IS there a cure for club root other than liming or leaving the soil for five or so years?

 MOST of the Cruciferae family is attacked by club root. This includes brassica, stocks, alyssum and wallflowers. Roots become swollen, causing a stunting of growth, and leaves turn yellow and wilt.

It is best not to plant brassicas into soil that has grown infected plants previously. Rotate crops to avoid disease build-up in the soil, and ensure that the soil is well drained.

Adding lime is definitely an advantage, but you can also dip the roots of seedling transplants in a suitable fungicide solution before setting them out.

Unfortunately there is no cure for infected plants, which should be burned or placed in the rubbish bin.

• The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH
• Content or advice may be out-of-date.