Oilseed rape pests

Wessex flea beetle (Psylliodes luteola)
  • Wessex flea beetles attack newly emerging crops, causing characteristic shot holing.
  • Most common in Southern England and can cause severe crop checks.
  • Damage associated with earlier sown crops.
  • Dry conditions that check crop growth can lead to increased seedling loss.
  • Late sown spring crops are most susceptible to Turnip and Large striped flea beetle.

Counter Flea beetle attacks with foliar applications of HALLMARK ZEON or DOVETAIL if crops are struggling to outgrow damage. Foliar treatment may protect crops from attack for long enough to enable it to grow away from the threat.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
Cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala)
  • Cabbage stem flea beetle damage emerging oilseed rape seedlings by feeding on their leaves.
  • The larvae emerge from eggs laid in the soil, they then burrow into the plant and cause feeding damage.
  • Treat adult beetles at 1-2 leaf stage if more than 25% of the leaf area has been eaten, or 50% of leaf on larger plants.
  • Treat at larval stage if more than 5 larvae are found per plant, or 50% of petioles damaged.

Target adult Cabbage stem flea beetle to minimise feeding damage and limit egg laying. Larvae emerging from eggs can also be killed before they burrow into the main stem of oilseed rape seedlings. Inspect crops regularly for signs of insect activity. Apply HALLMARK ZEON or DOVETAIL when treatment thresholds are reached.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
Autumn aphids - Peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae)
  • Aphids carrying Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) can transmit the virus when feeding on young oilseed rape plants in the autumn.
  • Myzus persicae (Peach-potato aphid) is the primary vector of TuYV.
  • Insecticide seed treatments can reduce early aphid attacks, but with mild autumn conditions secondary infestations can occur.
  • Strains of Myzus resistant to pyrethroids may need treatment with an appropriate seed treatment.

Treat with HALLMARK ZEON or DOVETAIL as soon as aphid activity is found in the crop. Fast aphid knockdown and repellency will minimise virus transmission. Applications for aphid control in the autumn may also coincide with Cabbage stem flea beetle treatment.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
Pollen beetle (Meligethes aeneus)
  • Pollen beetle feed on oilseed rape flower heads in search of pollen.
  • Crops are most susceptible to damage during the green bud stage.
  • Early flowers attract beetles, which feed on remaining green buds.
  • Crops with uneven or prolonged flowering are at greatest risk.
  • Treatment thresholds:
    Winter Oilseed Rape - Healthy crops:
    15 beetles per plant.
    Backward crops: 5 beetles per plant.
    Spring Oilseed Rape: 3 beetles per plant.
    Scotland: 1 beetle per plant.

Apply HALLMARK ZEON or DOVETAIL when thresholds are reached for a cost-effective treatment. Some Pollen beetle resistance to straight pyrethroid insecticides have been found. If growers have identified a risk of resistance, an alternative insecticide should be considered. HALLMARK ZEON and DOVETAIL are both compatible with AMISTAR fungicide for application at green bud to early flowering.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
Seed weevil (Ceutorhynchus assimilis)
  • Cabbage seed weevil attacks both winter and spring crops from mid April, with peak activity in May and early June.
  • Inspect crops for adult weevil activity during flowering.
  • 1 weevil will attack up to 30% of pods on a plant, resulting in 5-10% yield loss.
  • Economic thresholds for treatment are 1 weevil per plant, reduced to 0.5 weevil per plant in Northern England and Scotland.
  • Wessex Flea Beetle is an increasing risk.

Treat with HALLMARK ZEON or DOVETAIL when treatment thresholds are reached. Crops are most susceptible to damage between 20% pod set and the end of flowering. For spring crops, apply at green to yellow bud stage. Prolonged flowering may necessitate a second application. Treatment for Seed weevil frequently coincides with Pod midge control.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
Brassica pod midge (Dasineura brassicae)
  • Brassica pod midge lay eggs in pods through holes created by the Seed weevil.
  • Emerging midge larvae damage pods and seed and reduce yield.

Treat with HALLMARK ZEON or DOVETAIL when treatment thresholds are reached. Best results are achieved when application coincides with periods of peak adult activity.
The Seed weevil threshold is used as a guide for treatment of Pod midge.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL
Mealy cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae)
  • Large numbers of aphids can rapidly build up on oilseed rape pods.
  • Direct feeding activity of Mealy cabbage aphid infestations can distort pods and reduce yield.
  • Early infestations can spread Turnip Mosaic Virus and Cauliflower Mosaic Virus.

Treat with DOVETAIL or APHOX when aphid populations are increasing. Economic thresholds are 13% of crops infested for winter crops, but only 4% of plants for spring crops. Always use DOVETAIL when other pests are present.
HALLMARK ZEON
DOVETAIL

Oilseed rape crop pest attack timings

TOP TIPS for Oilseed rape pest control

  • Inspect crops regularly for signs of insect activity during periods of high risk.
  • Unseasonable weather can allow early or prolonged pest attacks.
  • Check the whole field for insects - populations are often heavier on headlands.
  • With spring and summer pest applications ensure sufficient water volumes and spray pattern to achieve good crop penetration and coverage.
  • Where treatment of flowering crops is necessary, spray early morning or late evening when bee activity is minimal. Follow the code for safety of bees. HALLMARK ZEON is endorsed by the British Bee Keepers Association as a bee-friendly product when used in accordance with BBKA’s best practice guidelines.
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