REGINA — More clubroot has been detected in Saskatchewan fields, according to the recent release of the provincial clubroot distribution map.
The distribution map, created by the provincial government and SaskCanola, tallies the presence of clubroot in the province to aid in managing the pest for canola producers.
Soil samples processed as part of the survey are collected annually, submitted by producers and agronomists for compilation of the report. Over 750 fields in 200 rural municipalities were examined during 2021, said the Ministry of Agriculture.
One hundred of the tested soil samples included in this year’s results were received voluntarily from farmers, who utilized free soil testing kits sponsored by SaskCanola.
"Ongoing clubroot surveying in Saskatchewan is critical for early detection and diligent management," said SaskCanola board chair Bernie McClean.
A total of 38 fields in the province have tested positive for the declared pest, following analysis of soil samples that showed the pathogen is present.
This year’s report is an increase over 2020’s results, which tallied 33 fields with clubroot present. Of the nine additional positive samples, eight were collected through the provincial survey and one through voluntary soil testing by a producer.
Survey results show that areas north of Lloydminster, North Battleford and Warman have more than ten fields with clubroot symptoms present.
Further, clubroot symptoms are also present on a smaller scale in bigger regions covering Lloydminster, Martensville, and near Prince Albert.
Samples from other areas scattered through the central part of the province returned showing that the clubroot pathogen was present, but with no visible symptoms.
Affected landowners have already been notified, said the ministry, and RMs will be enacting their clubroot-specific bylaws.
The survey aims to identify the clubroot pathogen at low spore levels, to introduce a management strategy early and minimize the pest’s impact on canola yields.
"We continue to invest levy dollars into the provincial clubroot survey program to help farmers manage this disease with evidence and data," said McClean.
