Think verticillium stripe is just a Manitoba problem? Think again. This increasingly common disease is spreading west, and by the time you spot symptoms, the damage is often done.
In this episode of the RealAgriculture's Canola School, Jeanette Gaultier, technical service specialist with BASF, discusses where verticillium is showing up and what can be done to manage it. While most visible in Manitoba, the disease has now been confirmed across the Prairies. Gaultier says even fields recently converted from hay have seen outbreaks, as the pathogen spreads easily through dust, water, and even wind.
The disease infects early in the season but often doesn’t reveal itself until much later. In low-pressure years, it may seem insignificant, but in others, lodging and yield loss can be severe. Conditions that begin wet and turn dry, along with plant stress, increase the risk. “Verticillium is impacting the vascular system... so the water pipes of the plant,” Gaultier explains.
Management starts early. Strong, healthy plant stands, balanced nitrogen, and proactive pest and disease control are key to reducing vulnerability. Verticillium tends to impact already weakened plants, so controlling other stresses, such as blackleg or flea beetles, is critical.
Though hybrid ratings exist, Gaultier cautions they vary by company and are best used to compare varieties within a single brand. With research ongoing, one thing is clear: managing verticillium means managing for overall plant health.
