Go low with seed rates

#OSRReboot

Top 10 strategies for managing cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) in oilseed rape (Draft)

4. Go low with seed rates

Stick to the recommended seed rate of 50 to 60 seed/m2. Use these seed rates to encourage big, vigorous plants in the spring which are more tolerant to larval feeding.
Lower seed rates also reduce the number of adults emerging from the field the following summer – reducing local pressure.
Note that increasing seed rates has a limited benefit in diluting adult feeding damage, since they are likely to result in weaker stemmed, less resilient plants.
Pigeon risk relative to thick / thin crops will also be lower.

Further information

x Link to more information

y Link to an expert

z Link to academic paper