BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR VERTICILLIUM STRIPE
The Agricultural pathogen called Verticillium longisporum (aka Verticillium Stripe) has now made its way to 6 Canadian provinces; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec according to research by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency[1]. Verticillium Stripe is also present in Sweden, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, France, the Czech Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, the U.K., Japan, and areas of USA[2].
What does CFIA’s announcement about the spread of Verticillium wilt mean for producers in these areas?
What Crops are affected?
Verticillium longisporum is a pathogen that affects crops from the crucifer family, i.e. canola, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, turnip, and radish.
What are the Symptoms of Verticillium wilt in Crops?
Some symptoms of Verticillium wilt are yellowing of leaves or branches of plant, drying out of stems or leaves, visible black pepper-like spots under step of mature plants, early death of plants, and decreased yields.
How can you protect your Farm?
Following Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and have a Biosecurity plan to help minimize or prevent the spread of this pathogen.
The pathogen is primarily spread through the movement of infested soil or diseased plant parts. There is also some scientific evidence that seed from heavily infected crops may introduce the pest to new areas.
V. longisporum can spread via wind-borne crop debris, soil erosion and flooding in addition to human-mediated spread, such as movement of field equipment.
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