Recent rainfall has eased drought conditions across much of the UK, but the dry spell that preceded it has forced some oilseed rape growers to drill later than planned.
For late-sown OSR crops, establishing quickly and robustly is particularly important, as plants have less time to develop the root and leaf structure needed to withstand winter conditions and pest pressure.
Matthew Welton, sales representative at Rovensa Next, says biostimulants could provide growers with an additional option when drilling has been delayed.
“Biostimulants are an effective tool that growers can use to support crop establishment, and they become particularly valuable when drilling is pushed back.
“Late-sown OSR has a shorter window in which to establish before winter, so anything that can support root development, stress tolerance, nutrient uptake and growth can help give the crop a stronger foundation going into the colder months,” explains Matthew.
Supporting early crop development
Biostimulants can support a range of physiological processes associated with crop establishment, including root development, stress tolerance, nutrient uptake, growth and photosynthetic efficiency.
One product being used to support these processes is Biimore, Rovensa Next’s biostimulant designed to optimise plant performance during critical stages of development.
“Biimore offers several pillars of support that can provide a helping hand with crop establishment, particularly in situations such as late drilling.
“These include increased root growth, enhanced photosynthesis, improved nutrient translocation and overall plant performance, helping crops to develop quickly during this critical period,” says Matthew.
Applied early, Biimore can support root development and help plants establish a stronger root system.
“This is particularly important for late-sown OSR, as a well-developed root system supports nutrient and water uptake while also providing stronger anchorage as the crop develops,” he says.
The product can also boost photosynthetic activity by increasing chlorophyll content, helping plants capture and use energy more efficiently.
“Improved photosynthetic activity supports growth and development, helping the crop progress through its early growth stages before winter conditions arrive,” he adds.
Biimore also aids nutrient translocation within the plant, helping to optimise nutrient use efficiency and ensure resources are available where they are needed during periods of rapid growth.
According to Matthew, the effects can begin relatively soon after application.
“Biimore’s effects can typically begin to be observed within days to a couple of weeks after application. The mode of action enables it to act throughout the growing season, improving photosynthetic activity and potassium translocation and, therefore, improving OSR yield and quality.
“Initial improvements in processes such as photosynthesis and nutrient uptake can begin within days, while changes in root development can become noticeable within one to two weeks. Broader improvements in growth and development can become apparent over the following two to four weeks,” explains Matthew.
Trial results
Trials conducted by Rovensa Next in the UK and across Europe have investigated the potential benefits of applying Biimore to OSR during early autumn.
Across numerous trials, an application of Biimore at 0.05 litres/ha at the three-to eight-leaf stage has been shown to support establishment and enhance yield.
“The trial results demonstrate the potential of an early Biimore application to support OSR during a critical period of development.
“With late drilling potentially creating additional establishment challenges this season, growers should consider all the tools available to help crops establish quickly and enter winter in the strongest possible condition,” adds Matthew.
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