Navigating the CSFB Challenge

Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB) remains a formidable threat to oilseed rape cultivation in numerous regions of England and Wales. For many growers, the decision to grow oilseed rape hinges on their ability to manage and mitigate the risks posed by CSFB. Insights and findings from Agrii trials underscore the pivotal role that variety choice plays in combatting this persistent threat.

Life Cycle Challenges: A Dual Menace of Adult and Larvae Damage

CSFB adults pose a significant threat during establishment as they voraciously consume the leaves, stems, and growing points of young plants. Cultural practices have been employed to minimize damage, with varying degrees of success. However, surviving plants face a subsequent menace as larvae, particularly those of the Winter Stem Weevil (WSW), inflict damage from within. The threat from larvae, this spring, has reached a level comparable to CSFB, necessitating a comprehensive approach.

No Selective Insecticides: Cultural Measures and Varieties as Defense

Given the absence of selective insecticides, growers turn to cultural practices and varieties exhibiting tolerance to attacks as primary lines of defense. Success has been witnessed with altered sowing timings, but the role of luck in this strategy is undeniable. While varieties alone are not foolproof, notable success against CSFB and WSW has been observed with specific varieties, including InV1035, Ambassador, LG Auckland, Aardvark, and DK Exsteel. Recent trials introduce two newcomers, RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli, exhibiting enhanced pest damage tolerance and improved yield.

Spring Growth Vigour: A Critical Characteristic for Pest Resilience

RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli were deliberately selected for their vigorous spring growth habit, deemed crucial for enabling plants to outgrow pest attacks. Trial results at Revesby Estate in North Lincolnshire reinforce the significance of this trait. Despite widespread CSFB damage, both RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli outperformed benchmarks like Ambassador and InV1035.

Figure 1: Yield Performance at Revesby Estate Trial (2023)

Yield Performance

The impressive yields of RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli position them as natural successors to proven varieties, showcasing their potential to thrive under pest pressure.

Figure 2: Spring Vigour - Biomass at Revesby Estate Trial (2023)

Spring Vigour

RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli's robust spring vigour, depicted in Figure 2, underscores their capacity to withstand CSFB damage.

Figure 3: CSFB and WSW Damage Ranking at Revesby Estate Trial (2023)

Damage Ranking

Figure 3 ranks varieties based on CSFB damage, hinting at a correlation between larvae damage and spring biomass.

Conclusion: Natural Successors and Pest-Resilient Varieties

The collective evidence from yield performance, spring biomass, and resilience against larvae damage strongly positions RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli as the successors to established varieties.

Their prowess in navigating pest challenges signifies a promising future for oilseed rape cultivation.

For more information on these varieties and integrated pest control methods, reach out to your Agrii agronomist.

No Selective Insecticides: Cultural Measures and Varieties as Defense

Given the absence of selective insecticides, growers turn to cultural practices and varieties exhibiting tolerance to attacks as primary lines of defense. Success has been witnessed with altered sowing timings, but the role of luck in this strategy is undeniable. While varieties alone are not foolproof, notable success against CSFB and WSW has been observed with specific varieties, including InV1035, Ambassador, LG Auckland, Aardvark, and DK Exsteel. Recent trials introduce two newcomers, RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli, exhibiting enhanced pest damage tolerance and improved yield.

Spring Growth Vigour: A Critical Characteristic for Pest Resilience

RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli were deliberately selected for their vigorous spring growth habit, deemed crucial for enabling plants to outgrow pest attacks. Trial results at Revesby Estate in North Lincolnshire reinforce the significance of this trait. Despite widespread CSFB damage, both RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli outperformed benchmarks like Ambassador and InV1035.

Figure 1: Yield Performance at Revesby Estate Trial (2023)

Yield Performance

The impressive yields of RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli position them as natural successors to proven varieties, showcasing their potential to thrive under pest pressure.

Figure 2: Spring Vigour - Biomass at Revesby Estate Trial (2023)

Spring Vigour

RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli's robust spring vigour, depicted in Figure 2, underscores their capacity to withstand CSFB damage.

Figure 3: CSFB and WSW Damage Ranking at Revesby Estate Trial (2023)

Damage Ranking

Figure 3 ranks varieties based on CSFB damage, hinting at a correlation between larvae damage and spring biomass.

Conclusion: Natural Successors and Pest-Resilient Varieties

The collective evidence from yield performance, spring biomass, and resilience against larvae damage strongly positions RGT Kanzzas and Hanneli as the successors to established varieties.

Their prowess in navigating pest challenges signifies a promising future for oilseed rape cultivation.

For more information on these varieties and integrated pest control methods, reach out to your Agrii agronomist.