Industry joins forces against cabbage stem flea beetle

A cross-industry taskforce is urging oilseed rape growers to join an on-farm monitoring and trials programme against cabbage stem flea beetle.

The group has been set-up to test management methods and tools to combat the pest. Oilseed rape growers will be given information on implementing and assessing management strategies over the next three years.

The project connects two research projects. The first project is being led by ADAS and Harper Adams University; and funded by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and an industry organisation.

The second project is being led by NIAB and funded by Defra. It aims to test management methods on a wider scale – encouraging growers to carry out their own trials and assess their effectiveness.

The taskforce behind the project includes AHDB, NIAB, ADAS, Harper Adams University, Rothamsted Research, United Oilseeds and Sentry Ltd, alongside independent and distributor agronomy advisors and plant breeding companies.

NIAB oilseed rape specialist and project leader Colin Peters said the goal was to draw together everyone’s knowledge and experience in a coordinated and sustained effort against cabbage stem flea beetle.

For details, see www.niab.com/csfbsmart.