First report of Plasmodiophora brassicae in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Cabbage production is promoted as a cash crop for small-land holders to support poverty alleviation on the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). A stunted cabbage crop in Paksong was inspected due to a near total yield loss. Examination of the root systems revealed the presence of enlarged roots. Subsequently the disease was found in another round-head cabbage crop, and in a Chinese cabbage crop in a polyhouse. Air-dried clubroot specimens were forwarded to Australia where molecular methods confirmed the presence of Plasmodiophora brassicae. This is the first report of the obligate pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae in the Lao PDR.