We know that growing oilseed rape can be challenging so we have gathered together everything you need to know about oilseed rape here. From establishment to harvest we can provide insight about crop management and protection to help maximise yields.
Posted 2 weeks ago
March
Results from the SpotCheck initiative has shown that light leaf spot is now present across most of the country, from Scotland to Dorset and Hampshire.
As a result, it is vital to walk fields and assess disease presence within the crop. Look for tiny white spore droplets on the leaf surface, which can sometimes appear in a circular pattern, on the upper or underside of the leaf.
Where light leaf spot in present, there is an opportunity to utilise prothioconazole at this timing to dampen down the disease and manipulate the canopy.
Priorities this month (location dependent):
February
With the main light leaf spot (LLS) epidemic now underway, focus should turn to walking crops to understand the severity in your locality and plan fungicide programmes accordingly.
Now is also a good time to begin assessing green area index (GAI) to manage crop canopy development for maximum yields, as well as level of weed presence within the crop. Remember that visible flower buds are the cut-off date for many spring herbicides, leaving a finite window for applications.
Priorities this month (location dependent):
October
As the colder days draw closer, so does the risk of disease and pest infections for the country’s oilseed rape crop. October is prime time to be vigilant for Cabbage Stem Flea Beetles (CSFB), which can impact plant establishment significantly, particularly if the growing point is damaged.
If CSFBs are found, chemical control options are essential to ensure sufficient establishment ahead of Winter. Throughout October also monitor for Phoma and Light Leaf Spot symptoms, ready to consider fungicide options next month.
Priorities this month (location dependent):
November
With the winter months looming and leaf production in full swing, OSR crops enter the danger zone for Phoma and Light Leaf Spot (LLS) infection. Remember that LLS can still be present in the crop even if there aren’t any visible symptoms.
If you’re struggling to identify LLS or Phoma symptoms, you can have leaves assessed by the Bayer SpotCheck initiative.
In most cases the worst of the Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB) and aphid pressure has passed, and now is a good time to assess damage and change pest control programmes accordingly.
Priorities this month (location dependent):
December
As we begin to enter into the coldest months of the year, crops will be in the midst of leaf production, in preparation for an intense growth period in spring 2019.
The onset of the cold weather will now keep aphids and flea beetle pressure at bay, which otherwise have the potential to hinder establishment significantly.
However, crops are not danger free as they continue to grow through the high-risk period for various weeds and diseases. To ensure your crop steers clear of weed damage, crops should be walked to assess potential harm in order to change weed control programmes effectively. If you’re unsure of the prevalence of light leaf spot or Phoma symptoms, you can have leaves assessed by the Bayer SpotCheck initiative to ensure early detection and informed decision-making.
Priorities this month (location dependent):
Find out more information on the key disease threats to your oilseed rape crop. For each disease you will find out the importance of the disease in terms of potential yield penalty, how to identify the disease in its early stages and our advice on the best control strategies.
