Survey to get on top of flea beetle challenge

A nationwide initiative to assess cabbage stem flea beetle larvae levels in oilseed rape aims to encourage more farmers to grow the crop.

The project is a collaborative effort jointly funded by Hutchinsons, Agrii, and United Oilseeds. Niab scientists have been analysing oilseed rape stem samples for flea beetle larvae numbers and the results are being shared with the wider industry.

Larvae numbers

Bayer MagicTraps, used in a nationwide network set up by United Oilseeds and widely used by project partners, have already recorded relatively low adult flea beetle numbers – and on-farm observations indicate fewer adult beetles this year too.

Experts say post-harvest shallow cultivation practiced by 80% of farmers could have had an impact on larvae numbers.

Regardless of this, the count is expected to offer further insights into what we might expect later this year.

Selected farmers from across the partner networks have been collecting and sending plant stems to Niab for assessment. The findings will provide valuable insight into flea beetle larvae populations and help inform future management strategies.

Niab break crop specialist Colin Peters said: “This is a simple and cost-effective project that could provide valuable insights for farmers and the industry in understanding what adult flea beetle pressure may look like later this year.

“While long-term research remains crucial, we also need shorter-term initiatives like this that can leverage real-time data to support farm decision-making.”

The initiative underscores the importance of tackling key agronomic challenges togerher, said Mr Peters, praising industry partners for delivering robust and practical insights for growers.

The survey is part of the oilseed rape Reboot initiative launched by United Oilseeds last summer.

Designed to revitalise cultivation of the crop in the UK, the campaign aims to key challenges such as pest pressures and declining yields.