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 months ago
November
For those crops that have survived cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) attack, leaf production is in full swing as winter looms for oilseed rape.
Oilseed rape crops now enter the danger zone for Phoma and Light Leaf Spot (LLS) infection. Late-summer and early autumn rain has caused a relatively early onset of Phoma in some locations this year. To understand what stage of infection your crop is at for Phoma, LLS and other key oilseed rape diseases, it is worth utilising our free SpotCheck service to check for the prevalence of these diseases in your crop, and make informed disease management decisions.
Pest activity will reduce as temperatures decline, however some regions may still find signs of aphids and flea beetles during early November. Continue to monitor crops and regularly check the AHDB’s Aphid News bulletins for activity in your locality.
Priorities this month (location dependent):
October
The dry and warm September provided perfect conditions for cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) and slowed down crop growth, which is a toxic mix. Despite this there are some good crops around the country, although too many reports of areas not surviving too.
An approach fast becoming popular to combat CSFB attack has been companion cropping. This case study with Cambridgeshire farmer David White, who has been able to return to oilseed rape through companion cropping, highlights some promising results with this strategy.
Two further threats to the crop are worth watching out for this month. First diseases like Phoma and light leaf spot could start to bubble up. Use our SpotCheck service to check for these diseases.
Also check the AHDB’s Aphid News bulletins regularly for Myzus persicae (peach-potato aphid), the vector of Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV). The virus can reduce yield by as much as 30%, making the identification of the aphid vital in order to protect crops. Remember the peach-potato aphid is resistant to pyrethroids, so alternative methods are required to minimise yield reduction.
Priorities this month (location dependent):
September
Oilseed rape drilling has been progressing across the country. For those that drilled in August, the hot weather across the August bank holiday was not helpful for oilseed rape establishment where crops were at cotyledon stage, with a surge in attacks from cabbage stem flea beetles (CSFB).
In September, the remaining crops will be drilled. How late you can drill in September will depend on what part of the country you farm. In this month, as in August, it is all about getting the crop away – so take advantage of good soil conditions and consider variety choice carefully – a vigorous hybrid could be beneficial.
Pay careful attention to how the crop is establishing and any factors that may be impacting growth such as pests and weeds. Be particularly mindful of cabbage stem flea beetle and think carefully about insecticide applications. Remember many CSFB populations can be resistant to pyrethroids, so always use an integrated pest management approach.
If growing multiple varieties on-farm, compare progression in the early stages, above and below ground, as this could help inform both crop management this season and next season’s variety choices.
Priorities this month (location dependent):
August
Depending on location and weather, oilseed rape harvest may either be complete or still ongoing. Likewise for many establishing next season’s crop will begin this month.
With many areas now at risk from cabbage stem flea beetle attack, choosing a vigorous hybrid variety with rapid leaf development can help limit pest damage. But it is important to get the crop off to the best possible start by drilling in the best possible conditions for fast establishment, so monitor soil moisture and seed-beds carefully. The use of starter fertiliser will also help get the crop established quicker.
Phoma risk is driven by August rainfall. A catchy harvest is likely to mean an increased risk of early Phoma infections, so it’s also worth considering a variety with good Phoma resistance to reduce risk.
Priorities this August (location dependent):
June/July
The gate is almost shut on oilseed rape until the combines start rolling in July and August, with only harvesting plans and whether to apply a pod sticker left to decide upon.
While swathing and direct combining are options, most growers usually apply a desiccant.
Timing of glyphosate applications could be tricky this season, as crops affected by flea beetle or pigeon damage are very uneven. Going too early risks both limiting oil content and increasing the risk of immature red seed at harvest, while late applications may see increased losses from pod shatter.
The key thing is to carefully walk crops properly to assess them efficiently. There might be a huge difference between how a crop looks in the gateway and 100m away in the middle of the field.
Priorities this month (location dependent):
In October 2018 oilseed rape growers answered a series of questions about their agronomic decisions for the Bayer OSR Big Picture Quiz. We have written a very detailed report, which you can download after filling in this form. Inside the report you will find a breakdown of the results within each of the five agronomy sections, including what do higher yielding growers do
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.
