Turnip yellows virus-resistant OSR may cut losses

A virus that can cut OSR yields up to 30% will be a greater threat from next autumn. But the first resistant variety may offer a solution, as Richard Allison found out.

A variety of oilseed rape resistant to turnip yellows virus offers a way to overcome the increased virus threat expected after the loss of neonicotinoid seed treatments.

The ban on neonicotinoid seed treatments will see two key threats to oilseed rape crops, flea beetle and turnip yellows virus (TuYV), said Agrii OSR specialist 
Philip Marr.

Flea beetles feed on oilseed rape cotyledons and early true leaves – characterised by “shot-holing” and can decimate establishing crops. However, once the crop is established, TuYV is the biggest threat, said Mr Marr.