OSR survey suggests flea beetle larvae pressure remains low

As harvest approaches, the latest cabbage stem flea beetle stem larvae survey suggests numbers have remained low, adding to confidence in growing the crop next season.

Funded by United Oilseeds and carried out by Niab, the survey asked 100 growers across the UK to submit 10 OSR stems from each farm during March.

Every sample was carefully examined by Colin Peters and the Niab team to determine the number of cabbage stem flea beetle larvae present, with each participating grower receiving their own individual results.

See also: How harvest cultivations can help beat flea beetle in OSR

For the second consecutive year, larval numbers have remained consistently low across most of farms surveyed.

While a small number of individual sites recorded higher pressure, the national picture closely mirrors last year’s results, with significantly lower levels of flea beetle than those experienced during the most challenging seasons.

United Oilseeds managing director James Warner believes the results should give growers confidence as they begin planning for this autumn’s drilling.

“Seeing low larval numbers for a second consecutive season is genuinely encouraging. Combined with stronger crop establishment, improving confidence and positive gross margins, the signs are there for more growers to bring oilseed rape back into the rotation,” he said.

However, he cautions against growers becoming complacent.

“By continuing to adopt practical, research-backed measures such as shallow post-harvest cultivation, we have a real opportunity to keep cabbage stem flea beetle pressure low and continue rebuilding a resilient UK oilseed rape crop.”