Winter Rapeseed Affected by Pests and Diseases: Situation in Regional Crops

In the winter rapeseed crops across various regions of Ukraine, there is an active infestation by pests. In particular, up to 46% of the surveyed areas are infected with hidden weevils and the rapeseed weevil. Their numbers range from 0.3 to 3 individuals per plant, leading to damage of 1-5% of the plants at a low level.

This is reported by AgroReview

Main Pest Species in Rapeseed Crops

In the edge areas of the fields, cruciferous flea beetles are particularly proliferating, damaging 2-5% of the plants at a density of 0.5-2 individuals per square meter. Additionally, in the Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions, the development of whiteflies is noted — signs of their activity are observed on 1-2% of the plants. Furthermore, sand-colored copper beetles, hairy weevils, winter moth caterpillars, wireworms, and cabbage white butterflies have been detected on the rapeseed.

Recommendations for Protecting Rapeseed

In farms where pest thresholds are exceeded (for the rapeseed weevil during the bud formation period – 1-2 beetles per plant, during the bud enlargement period – 2-3 beetles per plant, at the beginning of flowering 5-6 beetles per plant; for the stem cabbage hidden weevil – 2 beetles per 40 plants or 20 beetles on a yellow trap within 3 days), areas infested with cruciferous flea beetles (threshold 3-5 individuals per square meter) should undergo edge or full-field spraying with recommended insecticides before flowering.

There is also a noted infection of winter rapeseed with phoma, downy mildew, alternaria, and root bacterial diseases. The diseases have been identified on 2-10% of the plants. Upon the first signs of these diseases, agronomists are advised to promptly use approved treatments for the crops.

The situation is particularly challenging in the Poltava region, where a significant pest infestation in the fall led to the decision to reseed winter rapeseed. Experts recommend that agricultural producers continuously monitor the condition of the crops and respond promptly to the appearance of pests and diseases to preserve the harvest.