Scientists from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) are advising oilseed rape farmers to keep a close eye on their winter crop this year as it could be vulnerable to a number of pests now neonicotinoid seed treatments are no longer a control option.
SRUC researcher Andy Evans explained his concerns: "Scottish growers will need to take decisions on pest management in winter oilseed rape this season that they have usually not had to do. Farmers need to be vigilant, and use the most up-to-date crop intelligence information to decide whether insecticide treatments are required. This will be key to ensuring good yields come spring."
There are a number of pests liable to make a nuisance of themselves as the nights draw in, including flea beetles, cabbage stem flea beetles, peach-potato aphids and slugs. Monitoring the crops for early signs of infestation is vital, and no easy task, as each pest leaves a different mark on the plant. In large numbers these pests and the virus they can transmit can cause a huge amount of damage with yields reduced by as much as 30 per cent.
Mr Evans went on: "In Scotland 2014 was a great year for oilseed rape - yields grew to the highest level in 20 years and were estimated at 4 tonnes per hectare on average.
"However 2015 may well see a slight decrease due to the loss of neonicotinoid seed treatments and 2016 will not buck the trend without careful management."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 181 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 263p per kg and an average of 220.4p (+5.4p on the week), while 619 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 270.7p and levelled at 224.2p (+1.2p). Eighty-four store, B&W bullocks sold to 175.6p and averaged 155.8p (-3.2p).
In the rough ring 125 cows averaged 113.6p.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 12 prime cattle forward in Dumfries on Wednesday when heifers sold to 233.5p and averaged 178.5p, while bullocks peaked at 197.5p and levelled at 187.4p.
There were 75 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 127.3p and dairy cows levelled at 85.8p.
The firm also sold 1414 prime lambs to a top of £71 per head and 164p per kg to average 138.5p (-11.1p).
The 285 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £95.50 for Texels and average £63.38 (-£3.57), while light ewes peaked at £45.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £35.99 (-45p).
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