IT IS now looking likely that forward OSR crops will avoid pollen beetle damage this spring due to the colder spell this week putting the dampers on the beastie's migration.
The 'Bayer Pollen Beetle Predictor' is showing little migration occurred during the last week and the weather stations where migration is most advanced are at just 23% migration, edging up from 17% a week previously. The latest info indicated that migration not possible across most of the country and chilly weather meant it did not progress much this week.
Rothamsted researcher, Dr Sam Cook, commented: “While temperatures forecast for the coming week are unlikely to see much progress in pollen beetle migration, OSR crops – which still put on noticeable growth at 5°C – will continue to grow.
"Forward crops now have first flowers visible and so, even with the cooler weather forecast for this week, should soon be past the damage susceptible stage.”
* To access the predictor go to www.bayercropscience.co.uk/pollenbeetlepredictor/
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