Oilseed Rape News

DSV UK showcased its latest varieties at Cereals 2023, including the first two OSR varieties available in the UK featuring the company’s new PhomaBlocker trait, which combines two complex phoma resistance mechanisms, according to DSV’s Sarah Hawthorne.

Despite 37 years industry experience, Agrii agronomist David Vine readily admits that growing oilseed rape successfully year-in, year-out can still be a huge gamble for many growers. Farmers are frequently faced with significant challenges posed by slugs, pigeons, cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) and, given this year’s weather, the often-difficult task of finding adequate soil moisture.

With 2023 spring declarations underway, the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) has published payment rates for farmed saved seed and the latest list of eligible varieties, including advice on blends, cover crops and what farmers should do in the event of a failed crop.

With this spring seeing high variation in OSR growth across the country, crop production specialists Hutchinsons are advising farmers to manage the crop carefully in the season ahead and in some cases consider whether it is worth further investment.

Launched by seed company Limagrain UK, Stem Health is a new characteristic that offers resistance to the three most common stem-based diseases in OSR varieties, enabling the crops to reach their full genetic potential.

Following reports of weeds such as cranesbill, scentless mayweed and cleavers emerging in oilseed rape (OSR) crops, farmers are being advised to monitor fields closely and take prompt action if necessary.

AHDB has produced its latest Agri-market Outlook, which explores the factors likely to affect farm businesses.

AHDB’s online edition of the Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) 2023/24 may feature fewer new varieties than previous Lists, but some of the newcomers deliver large yield increases, especially in barley and oilseed rape.

More farmers are planning to harvest winter crops in 2023 according to AHDB’s Early Bird Survey, likely due to the favourable weather conditions and wider drilling window this autumn.

Growers from various parts of the UK have seen good results drilling primed Tennyson this year, reporting early growth vigour, uniform crop size and improved resistance to pests and disease.

With OSR drilled in early August already reaching phoma thresholds, farmers should be vigilant and monitor their crops for the first signs of the disease, said ADAS plant pathologist Philip Walker.

Forward rapeseed prices remain strong and there is every chance early August drilled crops will grow away from CSFB as well as phoma and light leaf spot (LLS) threats. But don’t be complacent is the message from agronomists.