THE sustainability of OSR yields in the UK has been questioned since the restrictions on neonicotinoids . However , a series of trials has shown that strengthening the crop using silicon can help to guard against cabbage stem flea beetle ( CSFB ) by strengthening the plant . Technical Manager , Kate Williams , from silicon specialist Orion FT , explains how using silicon can reduce losses .

“ Using a silicon enhanced product such as Sirius , in the tank with an insecticide , will strengthen the plant by increasing cuticle thickness and leaf hair density . This makes the plant less appealing and palatable to pests in general , but we have trial data to show that it is especially efficacious against CSFB .”

Applied at growth stage 10 , or first leaf , the silicon is absorbed by the plant and begins to strengthen it . In trials this saw the silicon content of the plants treated increase by 14 % after an early post-emergence application . “ This was then boosted further by a second application in March which saw the silicon content of the crop increase by 34 % by the middle of May ,” she says .

Using Sirius can help prevent CSFB damage by increasing cuticle thickness and leaf hair density .

The impact of increasing the silicon in the plant was subsequently backed up by the improvement in CSFB control . “ After 7 days the crop sprayed with Sirius showed almost no sign of CSFB , whilst the untreated crop showed over 15 % feeding damage . This gap further increased at day 14 when the untreated sample was over 25 %, but the Sirius sample showed less than 5 % feeding damage ,” she explains .

By combining silicon with the insecticide there was no additional machinery

time required to apply the product and , as a biological product , Sirius can be used in all farming systems . “ For those looking to sustain the number of beneficials or establish an OSR crop in adverse conditions , using silicon-based products will help to guard against pest damage . It can be used to help the crop get off to a good start and then subsequently to boost yield by improving the overall health and weight of the crop . With mild winters and increased resistance to pyrethroids , taking a new approach may help farms that want to continue growing this valuable crop ,” she concludes .