Results from a nationwide cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) monitoring project indicate a promising outlook for oilseed rape growers.
The project, led by Niab and funded by United Oilseeds, Agrii, and Hutchinsons, assessed CSFB stem larvae levels in the spring this year with results suggesting a significant decline in pest pressure compared with previous seasons.
Autumn water trap monitoring
The work follows autumn water trap monitoring, also conducted by Niab and partners, which already indicated a lower number of CSFB adults present across the UK.
More than 170 plant samples were collected from a wide geographical spread, and initial results reveal that a large proportion of plants contained much lower numbers of larvae than seen in recent years, and a stark improvement on figures seen in 2022.
Hotspots
While isolated farms showed slightly higher levels, no widespread hotspots were identified, and overall the results provide strong reassurance for growers planning OSR crops later this year.
Niab’s Colin Peters says the findings are very encouraging. “They reflect the lower adult counts seen last autumn and suggest that growers should feel positive about prospects for OSR establishment in 2025. While attention to detail in crop management remains crucial, this data gives a welcome boost to confidence.”
IPM
The project also reinforces the value of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, highlighting the importance of field positioning, immediate post-harvest cultivation of the previous year’s OSR stubble, good seedbed preparation, flexible drilling timing, and the use of companion crops to maximise OSR success.
Niab, alongside United Oilseeds, Agrii, and Hutchinsons, will continue to monitor sampled sites through the 2025-26 season, providing growers with further valuable insights to support strong, sustainable OSR crops.
Growers are encouraged to plan ahead now, taking advantage of the current low CSFB pressure and applying best agronomic practice to secure the best possible results.
