A multilayer strategy is needed to uncover the clubroot pathogen mysteries.

Clubroot is a devastating disease affecting cruciferous crops worldwide, caused by the obligate parasite Plasmodiophora brassicae. Currently, the use of clubroot resistant cultivars is the best strategy to stop the spreading of the disease and avoid millionaire loses experienced by the industry every year. Unfortunately, after decades of research, clubroot resistance is being overcome by new pathotypes and the mechanisms behind this remain unknown. Here we discuss how we can advance our understanding of the pathogen and the host through genomics. However, this multilayered strategy needs to be concerted to find a stable solution for growers. • Clubroot has emerged as a devastating disease of cruciferous vegetables and canola worldwide. • ClubGenoEvo will contribute to understanding the clubroot pathogen diversity and evolution. • Characterization of the clubroot pathogen pathogenicity mechanisms is critical to stop it from spreading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]