Neonic Sprays Approved

There have been widespread reports of oilseed rape crops damaged by cabbage stem flea beetle this autumn.  Of course, it is the first planting season since three neonicotinoids were restricted from being used as seed treatments on certain flowering crops (including OSR) – see Bulletin 04(13).  To some extent, an experiment is being undertaken at an industry level, highlighting the problems of growing the crop without these pesticides.  At the moment, it does not seem to be going well.

To deal with the problem, the Chemicals Regulation Directorate has given emergency approval for two neonic foliar sprays.  These are based on chemistry not covered by the EU restriction.  The Certis product, InSyst, can be used until lateJanuary against cabbage stem flea beetles.  Biscaya, from Bayer, can be used to control the peach-potato aphid which spreads the turnip yellows virus.