Oilseed Rape
iOSR
In light of the challenging oilseed rape market, this year we launched a new initiative called iOSR, focused on sharing insights from farmers, agronomists and industry experts to support more informed decisions for crop agronomy.
To read more about the project and hear from some of the growers involved visit: www.fginsight.com/iOSR. In addition, you can ask us questions and join iOSR discussions on Twitter by using #iOSR.
Managing crop architecture and lodging risk
Crop architecture is the foundation for higher yields
- Shorter crop -> reduced lodging and less shading
- Greater branching -> supports more pods
- Shorter flowering period -> more light reaches the leaf
Shorter plants and greater branching with TOPREX sets oilseed rape plants up to capture more sunlight. More even crops flower over a shorter period, with less light reflecting from the yellow petals and more light reaching the green leaf.
TOPREX treated plants stand better through to harvest -> Faster combining; Reduced pod shatter; Less disease; Lower drying costs.
Which OSR crops require regulation?
Target crops that are vigorous, tall / weak stemmed varieties, or in a high lodging risk situation.
However even where a PGR effect is not needed still see useful canopy architecture effects at the later timing.
Where it is not appropriate is in backward crops where the crop GAI (Green Area Index) is under 1.0 in March or 2.0 in April.
To make the most of the regulatory benefits of TOPREX ensure the crop has started to grow in the spring and is applied at the beginning of stem extension. Avoid the use of TOPREX in cold...
Syngenta Solutions
Managing pests in OSR
Every pollen beetle destroys an average of nine buds
Each bud has potential to transform into a pod and produce seed. This season's strong, forward OSR crops will be more susceptible to pollen beetle damage. ADAS advocates lower thresholds apply in these crops that have less ability for compensatory growth.
Pollen beetle thresholds (AHDB cereals and oilseeds)
The thresholds are based on the maximum number of buds each beetle can destroy and the number of excess flowers produced:
- <30 plants/m2, the threshold is 25 pollen beetles/plant
- 30-50 plants/m2, the threshold is 18 pollen beetles/plant
- 50-70 plants/m2, the threshold is 11 pollen beetles/plant
- >70 plants/m2, the threshold is 7 pollen beetles/plant
Syngenta Solutions
Managing OSR disease
Sclerotinia risk
According to the AHDB, Sclerotinia infection risk is currently low, with crops mostly at early flower bud, and cool soil temperatures at most locations. However, crop stage and weather need to be monitored as the risk may change soon. The main flush of sclerotial germination is usually when soil temperatures reach approximately 8-10 degrees Celsius just below the surface, and also if the soil surface remains damp. A very few sclerotinia spores have already been detected in a Devon spore trap in early March, so germination has already occurred, but at low levels.
Keep your crop clean and green
Although it cannot be ignored, nationally Sclerotinia has only hit at damaging levels twice in the last ten years. In order to ensure a positive return on investment, it's crucial to select a flowering spray that will enhance greening and oil content.
No matter what this spring brings for disease pressure, the green leaf enhancement of AMISTAR is proven to give a positive return on your investment.
Year on year, margin returns from AMISTAR outperform other market standard fungicides.
Formulation is critical to deliver the active to the right place
OSR leaves are waxy; water just drips off. In order to maximise efficacy, the active ingredient must reach the right lace in the plant - so good formulation is critical.
AMISTAR’s formulation is designed to penetrate waxy layers to reach green parts and therefore give greening benefits.