United Kingdom
2012

Controlling pollen beetle and combating insecticide resistance in oilseed rape

Pollen beetles migrate into winter oilseed rape crops from mid-March and throughout April to feed on pollen and lay eggs. Crops are usually most at risk when the weather is warm (above 15°C), as pollen beetle migration is likely under these conditions.

A new threshold scheme has been proposed based on knowledge of the maximum number of buds each pollen beetle can destroy and the minimum number of excess flowers produced. Crops with low plant populations have a higher pollen beetle threshold than more dense plantings.

Pollen beetle control is not necessary when the crop starts to flower.

The UK Insecticide Resistance Action Group (IRAG-UK) has developed advice based on reducing use of pyrethroids and on exploiting other insecticide groups, which should in turn be used cautiously to preserve their effectiveness.
 

Website: http://www.hgca.com

Published: April 13, 2012