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Diseases in oilseed rape

Clubroot

Clubroot affects plants within the brassica family.  Plants are stunted as a result of tumour like growths on their roots.  Read more here.

Sclerotinia stemrot

Sclerotinia can attack a wide range of crops, including oilseed rape, potatoes, peas, beans, carrots and lettuce. Crops which are unaffected include grasses and cereals.  Read more here.

Powdery mildew

This airborne disease causes silvery white patches on the leaves of most brassicas, which eventually causes defoliation.  It favours warm and humid conditions and spores can affect both the upper and undersides of leaves.  Characteristic silvery patches may be more prevalent on the undersides of leaves where they are protected from rainfall.

Light leafspot

Light leaf spot is the main foliar disease to attack winter oilseed rape in the north of Britain.  It can infect leaves, stems, flower buds and pods of winter oilseed rape.  Spring oilseed rape is not affected but brassica vegetables can be affected.  Read more here.

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