Reboot for Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle Management in OSR
A comprehensive set of cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) management strategies has been released, marking a significant step forward in efforts to support the viability of oilseed rape (OSR) in the UK.
Developed by a broad consortium of stakeholders, the top ten strategies aim to reduce the risks associated with CSFB, a pest that has contributed to a sharp decline in OSR cultivation in recent years.
Sacha White, AHDB Lead Crop Protection Scientist, said: “The amount of oilseed rape grown in the UK in recent years has fallen sharply, partly due to CSFB pressures. However, the demand for oilseeds remains strong and the crop provides good market and rotational opportunities.
“These evidence-based management strategies will reduce the risks associated with the pest and stack the odds in the favour of farmers. Most of the strategies focus on decreasing damage during the crop’s critical early growth stages, which requires careful planning ahead of drilling.”
The strategies, grounded in the latest research and practical experience, focus on mitigating pest pressure during the crop’s vulnerable early growth stages. They include adaptive sowing dates, improved establishment techniques, companion cropping, and the use of organic materials, among others.
Top ten CSFB management strategies
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Ditch the date: do not stick to traditional calendar dates – sow early or late to avoid the peak migration period (which usually occurs during late-August to mid-September)
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Chase perfection at establishment: always wait for adequate moisture (present or forecast) before sowing, use the best seed, promote good seed-to-soil contact, ensure adequate nutrition and select varieties with appropriate vigour for the sow date
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Keep your distance: any distance (space and time) between previous and current crops will improve the chance of success
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Improve larval tolerance: fewer, bigger plants will stand up better to larval attack
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Make use of muck: apply organic materials, which can reduce beetle damage and support crop growth
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Park the pyrethroids: resistance is real and they can harm beneficial insects
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Create companions: companion cropping (e.g. with oats, buckwheat and berseem clover) and intercropping (e.g. with faba beans) can help shield crops from CSFB
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Build brassica buddies: use sacrificial strips of brassica (e.g. turnip rape) or OSR volunteer trap crops to lure beetles away
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Stir it up post-harvest: lightly cultivate OSR stubble soon after harvest to hit emerging CSFB
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Unlock hidden gems: discover the many other tactics to layer in an integrated approach to suppress the pest
Full details are available on the AHDB website: ahdb.org.uk/csfb-tips.
The work forms part of the OSR Reboot initiative, led by United Oilseeds, which brings together a consortium of industry bodies, researchers, and practitioners committed to providing a collaborative path to help UK farmers grow stable and profitable oilseed rape crops. To prepare the strategies, the group evaluated the latest evidence, including data generated by AHDB-funded research.
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) is a strong supporter of the OSR Reboot initiative and has actively contributed to its development. As a member of the UK Oilseeds Group, AIC’s involvement ensures that the strategies align with broader industry goals and reflect the collective expertise of the sector.
By supporting OSR Reboot, AIC reinforces its commitment to sustainable crop production and the long-term resilience of UK agriculture.
Author
Hazel Doonan
Hazel is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for management and coordination of the Crop Protection Sector.
