Seed treated rape ‘set to deliver good yields’

EASTERN region oilseed rape looks well set to deliver good yields despite coming through prolonged winter conditions, say experts.

Much of this could be down to strong autumn establishment helped by the adoption of new seed treatments. Over half of all winter crops benefited from newly approved thiamethoxam chemistry in Cruiser oilseed rape.

“Crops are looking pretty well at present despite the harsh winter and some very dry conditions at drilling and emergence,” said Chris Mattinson, East Norfolk area manager for Syngenta.

“Even though Cruiser OSR is systemic in activity and will move through the plant, the dry conditions really put this new chemistry to the test last year.”

Evidence from field trials and farm experience showed that pest control and vigour was markedly better than ‘older’ insecticide seed treatments such as Chinook, said Mr Mattinson.

While stark differences between ‘newer’ treatments such as Modesto were less common this year in really dry conditions, Cruiser OSR clearly helped crops grow away from early attacks of flea beetle and leaf miner.

Early autumn rain helped get Cruiser motoring. With winter just around the corner, this ensured good ground cover relative to the previous year. As a result, spring PGRs were more necessary on crops that were well established.

Trials have also confirmed that Cruiser OSR is highly effective at keeping aphids and Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) at bay, a pest-derived problem that can decimate yields in untreated crops.

Finally, believes Mr Mattinson, clear cut differences could be seen in terms of downy mildew control with Cruiser OSR being the only insecticide seed treatment that also covers this plant-smothering disease.

“Looking ahead to next year, growers need to mindful that establishment remains the absolute key to good rape yields. A decent tap root is vital to rape development so it is important to get the crop ‘up and away’.”