Discovery Seed Labs has worked with researchers from the University of Alberta to obtain molecular tools and Clubroot DNA positive controls. Using these resources Discovery Seed Labs has developed an internal molecular assay that can detect low Clubroot pathogen presence in soil and root tissue.

This marker has the ability to detect Clubroot below 1 x 10³ spores per gram of soil. The scoring of our fluorescence real-time assay is automated which limits the potential for error compared to a visual manual agarose gel-based method. Each sample will be tested using two DNA extractions from a single sample. Each DNA sample will be PCR’d in duplicate to generate 4 data points for each soil sample. Using this protocol Discovery Seed Labs has obtained accreditation for clubroot testing

The results of any assay are only as good as the sample submitted. Please ensure that you are properly obtaining your sample. Soil samples should be a composite of five, one cup scoops of soil taken at each of five locations per field. Clubroot is commonly found in higher concentrations where equipment enters a field.

Sampling should be done in a “W” pattern stopping at the five points of the “W” with each of the samples taken at least 20 meters apart and at least 20 meters from the field edge. Before taking each of the samples ensure to clear away residue soil from the surface and scoop approximately one cup of soil from the 0 to 10 cm of soil zone at each of the five spots in the “W”. Air dry the samples and then thoroughly mix these samples together to make one homogenous sample. Take about two cups of soil from this sample and send it to Discovery Seed Labs for testing.