The fungus causing this problem is transmitted by infected transplants which generally die and leave behind the fungus in the soil. Also, the wind carries disease particles to other plants. Infected soil can cause problems if it sticks to shoes, tools, etc. and then comes in contact with the plants that are affected by it.
It likes acidic soils and is very persistent. The infected root decomposes in the soil and leaves behind spores that can live dormantly over 10 years and keep re-infecting any crucifer plants that are planted there.
Controls include planting seeds, which are not affected. So far, the only semi-resistant variety is the cabbage "Badger Shipper". Rotate the crops (but don't use mustard family in the rotation), and buy disease-free plants. You can use a fungicide specifically for the Plasmodiophora brassicae fungus and apply it as a soil drench.
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