Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) and white blister (Albugo candida) can wipe out 20–80 % of a crop in a bad season, costing growers water, fertiliser and income. Unlike many other brassicas, Broccolini has no reliable genetic resistance to clubroot and remains largely un-studied as a pathosystem . At Western Sydney University we are partnering with the largest broccolini growers in Australia to build science-based, sustainable solutions that go beyond chemical fungicides.

We are:

Surveying farms nationwide to map disease hotspots and track how root- and leaf-microbiomes shift when infection strikes.

Isolating and testing biocontrol agents include beneficial bacteria, fungi and their metabolites that can out-compete the pathogen, trigger plant defences or disrupt gall formation .

Fine-tuning cultural practices such as tailored nutrition, soil pH management and soilless substrates that favour helpful microbes and suppress resting spores.

Exploring plant-immunity boosters, including safe phytohormone sprays that may reduce pathogen entry .

The goal is a practical, integrated protocol that cuts fungicide dependence, strengthens soil biology and keeps Broccolini productive all year delivering healthier plants for growers and more sustainable greens for consumers.