New tactics unveiled to tackle cabbage stem flea beetle crisis in OSR

A new set of cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) management strategies has been launched in a major effort to restore the fortunes of oilseed rape (OSR) across the UK. Described as the strongest recommendations to date, the top ten strategies were developed by a group of stakeholders committed to supporting the future of this vital break crop. The integrated approach is designed to significantly reduce the risk posed by CSFB, especially when the techniques are used in combination. The management strategies were identified as part of the OSR Reboot initiative, which is led by United Oilseeds. The initiative established a consortium to provide a collaborative path to help UK farmers grow stable and profitable oilseed rape crops. Sacha White, lead crop protection scientist at AHDB, which helped develop the strategies, 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 ...