THE INDUSTRY is making a case for more oilseed rape to be included in farmers’ sowing plans for this back-end.

Recently, higher and more stable prices have strengthened the crop’s case. Matched to some exciting new varieties, the incentive is there for a fresh look at OSR.

While the loss of neonicotinoids has also left growers with several seasons of cabbage stem flea beetle damage – hitting the area grown in southern and eastern areas – Hutchinsons’ national seeds manager, David Bouch, is confident the crop will bounce back.

“Around 40,000ha was lost last year due to a combination of flea beetle damage and drought in some south-eastern areas. But I’ve no doubt that at current prices of around £350 per tonne, there is a strong place for oilseed rape in 2018,” he told The SF.

“Indeed, we’ve already seen the area rise in other areas, particularly further north and west.

“Add in the potential oil premium worth 1.5% for every 1% of oil content above 40% and you could soon add another £26-27 per tonne,” he added.

“As a rule of thumb, if oilseed rape prices are approaching 2½ times the price of wheat, it should stack up well in most rotations.

“Furthermore, oilseed rape provides a timely entry for wheat and offers a number of other rotational benefits.”

But he, acknowledged that oilseed rape could be challenging to grow, especially without neonic seed treatments. “Early sowing and quick establishment are essential for success,” he said.

He advised growers to select two or three different varieties to suit differing field characteristics and to spread risk. Opting for those with strong, early growth characteristics enables young crops to extract water and nutrients better and outgrow any potential damage caused by CSFB, pigeons, or slugs.

The built-in vigour of hybrids makes them an obvious choice, especially if drilling is delayed into September, Mr Bouch added, although conventional open-pollinated types still have a place on many farms. They are particularly useful when sown early – around August 15-20.

Boost early growth

USING certified seed helps ensure good establishment and Mr Bouch recommended including a seed treatment to protect against early disease and aid establishment.

“The main fungicide option is based on prochloraz + thiram, which is effective against soil-borne damping off diseases, seed-borne phoma and alternaria,” he pointed out.

There is also an array of nitrite and micronutrient-based treatments to stimulate root development and improve crop establishment, he said.

“It’s not a particularly expensive addition and given what’s happening with CSFB, anything that gives the crop a boost must be welcomed.”

Keeping seed rates down will be another key to success, as it encourages plants to branch out more and intercept light more efficiently than dense crops, Mr Bouch added.

“Seed rates for oilseed rape have dropped significantly over the last few years. If you’ve typically sown a conventional variety at 5.5kg/ha in the past, you’ll be nearer 3.5kg/ha now.

“Many growers will sow crops at 40 seeds/m2, but given the lack of seed treatment for flea beetle, those in high-risk areas may still nudge rates closer to 50 seeds/m2, as insurance.”