Hidden Gems

#OSRReboot

Top 10 cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) management strategies for oilseed rape (Draft v2)

10. Hidden Gems

A. Monitoring
Monitor using field or Magic Traps to identify when peak migration has occurred and when CSFB numbers are reducing.  Also monitor the number of CSFB adults coming in with the harvested product as this will give an indication of both the potential population and also perhaps whether a large bulk of new adults have already emerged.
Evidence =

B. Seed treatments
+ Very few seed treatment products are approved for application to OSR seed in the UK but products are approved for application to WOSR seed in Europe, and this is reflected in their higher usage levels in different EU countries.

+ Seed treated in the EU with such products can currently be imported and sown in the UK enabling UK growers to access seed treated with the same products.

+ UK field trials (for example NIAB) show at least some positive effects from the use of products such as Lumiposa

+ Check on end date when the treated seed can be used.
Evidence =

C. Stubble Retention
Longer stubbles have been shown to reduce pressure in some circumstances and they also support spider populations, whose webs can help to trap insects
Evidence = (one study said long stubble was good, another broad farm-survey said little help so jury is out)

D = Promote natural enemies
Use stubbles, companion plants, strip planting and cut out ineffective pyrethroid sprays to encourage beneficial insects.
Evidence =

E. Grazing or topping
Grazing or topping before the New Year can reduce larval damage but only remove the leaves so don’t make the defoliation too severe. This needs to be done before Christmas and must ensure the growing point remains intact, and where a high larval count has been identified.
Evidence =

F. Silica
According to research at U Herts suggests applying silica may reduce CSFB damage and reduce disease pressure. Some trials and anecdotal evidence seem to support its use.
Evidence =

G. Seed Priming
Consider priming seed before sowing to get germination started early.
Evidence =

H.= Biostimulants
Many Farrow suggests some vigour enhancing treatments (Take-off, Matric, Tigga) have been shown to boost early growth and emergence.
ANY other evidence of biostimulants helping with CSFB – any research or anecdotes?

Further Information

*****Link to Sam Cook’s papers

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