Rapid devlopment is key CSFB defence

Fast developing as well as vigorous hybrids have been found to be one of the most effective defences against cabbage stem flea beetle by growers this season, confirming substantial trial evidence of the value of this trait in reducing damage from the pest.

So much so that Dekalb technical specialist, Richard Phillips sees rapid autumn developers as almost essential these days even with early August sowing.

“For drilling into reasonable conditions in the first half of August, I’d chose a variety proven to develop more rapidly than average in the autumn,” he advised. “The disease risk from earlier sowing means I’d want varieties with better than average light leaf spot resistance for this slot. Of course, they also need to have strong standing power.


“My first choices for earlier sowing would be triple eight breakthrough DK Exstar, early spring growing DK Extremus and TuYV resistant, DK Expectation with DK Imprint CL for Clearfield growers.

“Among the even faster autumn developers, which I’d save for sowing from mid-August unless I was relaxed about the possibility of autumn  growth regulation, all-rounder DK Exsteel, TuYV resistant, DK Excited and early spring grower, DK Expedient stand out.

“Like all Ex varieties, these carry our trademark vigorous establishment, double phoma resistance and pod shatter resistant traits too for the greatest reliability.”