Spring oilseed rape pests – March 2020

Spring oilseed rape could be a prime target for slugs this season, especially if there is a wet spring.

If it is dry, then flea beetles will be ready to take advantage. Crops should be monitored regularly as they emerge and any damage to the cotyledons and first true leaves needs to be correctly diagnosed.
Bear in mind that if you are to use slug pellets that there are guidelines as to how much metaldehyde pellets you can apply and that no metaldehyde pellets should be allowed to fall within a minimum of 10 metres of any field boundary or watercourse. Ferric phosphate products are good alternatives to metaldehyde.

Flea beetles will need to be controlled with a pyrethroid insecticide treatment at early emergence.