drobinson
June 27th, 2005, 12:40 PM
Others may have this problem and may be looking for a solution.
Last year, part of my row of heirloom snap beans did not do well (stunted tops, yellowing leaves, etc.) When it came time to pull up the spent plants, I noticed that the roots were knobby and had numerous swelled places on them. I didn't think too much about it until this year when I planted beets in the same spot. Like the beans, part of the beet rows (that were located where the infected beans had been), were stunted and yellow looking. When I pulled them to harvest, the same club looking roots were on the beets, only worse.
Doing some research I found that the problem is "Club Root" disease, caused by a soil born fungus. It can remain in the soil 7 year, and is carried by infected seeds and or tops. Since the club root fungus likes acid soils, the main remedy is to raise the soil pH to 7.2, and, rotate varieties of plants in the infected spot, especially those that will tolerate a higher pH in the 7's.. Destroy all infected plants, and seeds by burning. Disinfect spads, trowels etc. that come in contact with the plants and soil.
Looking back, I think it started when I worked peat moss into the soil to raise the tilth. I should have known that it also lowered the pH. And, who knows where the fungus came from. I hope this experience will help someone else that may have this problem. I will post a note if the remedies listed above actually work. Meanwhile, if you have experience with this problem, I would appreciate knowing your solution.
Last year, part of my row of heirloom snap beans did not do well (stunted tops, yellowing leaves, etc.) When it came time to pull up the spent plants, I noticed that the roots were knobby and had numerous swelled places on them. I didn't think too much about it until this year when I planted beets in the same spot. Like the beans, part of the beet rows (that were located where the infected beans had been), were stunted and yellow looking. When I pulled them to harvest, the same club looking roots were on the beets, only worse.
Doing some research I found that the problem is "Club Root" disease, caused by a soil born fungus. It can remain in the soil 7 year, and is carried by infected seeds and or tops. Since the club root fungus likes acid soils, the main remedy is to raise the soil pH to 7.2, and, rotate varieties of plants in the infected spot, especially those that will tolerate a higher pH in the 7's.. Destroy all infected plants, and seeds by burning. Disinfect spads, trowels etc. that come in contact with the plants and soil.
Looking back, I think it started when I worked peat moss into the soil to raise the tilth. I should have known that it also lowered the pH. And, who knows where the fungus came from. I hope this experience will help someone else that may have this problem. I will post a note if the remedies listed above actually work. Meanwhile, if you have experience with this problem, I would appreciate knowing your solution.