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Recommendations from a new report on integrated pest management for cabbage stem flea beetle control offers growers direction for crop establishment, often with little or no additional costs, says Syngenta technical manager Dr Max Newbert, co-author of the AHDB research.

Targeting oilseed rape crops on more fertile fields and more extensive use of manures could help crops better cope with the challenges of cabbage stem flea beetle, says Suffolk farm manager, Simon Eddell.

OSR growers at the latest Syngenta iOSR group meeting highlighted their commitment to their most profitable break crop, but reinforced the need for a better understanding of establishment to achieve more consistent results.

With increasing interest in other break crops alongside OSR – enforced by the season and establishment challenges – pulse crops’ prospect are under the spotlight too.

Investment to achieve good returns from spring oilseed rape is more about spending time, rather than money advocate Oxfordshire growers Nigel and Margaret Lawrence.