A NEW focus site for oilseed rape is aimed at providing growers and agronomists with a unique insight into innovative integrated crop management ideas and techniques.

Despite Syngent's new iOSR Focus Site being based at the Rougham Syngenta Innovation Centre, in Suffolk, quite a few aspects of the work will have particular relevance to Scotland.

Many of the ideas being trialled have been in direct response to concerns and challenges raised by the Syngenta iOSR grower group, as well as building on some of their pioneering experiences and reported successes.

ICM techniques under investigation will include:

• Cabbage stem flea beetle management with mustard and companion crops;

• Green manure companion cropping;

• Seed rate and seed treatment effects for CSFB management;

• New seed treatments and variety interactions;

• Field-scale mechanical removal of CSFB larvae;

• Innovation for TuYV and clubroot management;

• Sclerotinia control including new fungicide actives.

For Scottish growers, Katie Murray, Syngenta’s new area manager for the north of Scotland, pointed out: “Whilst the pest and disease pressures are different in Scotland compared to eastern England, aspects of variety selection, different establishment techniques and timing for new plant growth regulator technology could prove highly relevant across Scotland.”

Furthermore, with clubroot and the importance of rooting development being the key factors for Scottish OSR growers, she said the focus site would allow Syngenta to identify the benefits of new seed treatments for the crop and variety choice for clubroot resistant options.

Syngenta's field technical manager, James Southgate, added: “The challenges of growing OSR and agronomy techniques have changed significantly over the past five years. The iOSR Focus Site will specifically seek to provide solutions for growers and agronomists to consider throughout the crops’ management.”

The site will take full advantage of precision agriculture and new farming technology techniques to monitor crops and assess performance through the year, which could also provide valuable in-season updates and agronomy tips, he said.