FAQ - Oilseed rape

Below you will find some frequently asked questions on oilseed rape. We hope you find the answer to your query. If you need further information please email us or call us on 01223 890777.

Are your spring oilseed rape varieties sold treated?

Yes. Our varieties are supplied treated with Chinook plusThiraflo or with Cruiser.

Why should I grow spring oilseed rape?

Spring oilseed rape is a low input crop which is easy to manage and harvest and has a flexible sowing window. It spreads the harvest during the busy summer period and is not susceptible to LLS. Spring oilseed rape can be sown after over-wintered stubble and so may be eligible for ELS/HLS payments.

In the past I've grown spring rapeseed to replace a failed winter crop and was pleasantly surprised by its yield. As a spring crop why aren't more people growing it?

Spring oilseed rape has tended to be a default crop. By that we mean sown as a replacement to failed WOSR or in a default situation. As a crop in its own right it can offer a good economic return for those farmers who have got spring sowing possibilities. Problems can occasionally occur at establishment and also through migrations of pollen beetle from neighbouring winter crops. The crop's low nitrogen demand might appeal to many going forward.

Is the hype on WOSR hybrids justified?

This will be for the individual grower to make their judgement. Seed is more expensive, hybrids should not be grown as FSS and the performance can be variable. The technology of hybridisation to induce hybrid vigour and by that we mean higher yield productivity, rather than growth promotion, is the principal reason why breeders will increasingly opt for hybrids. Invariably there are marked varietal differences in both hybrids and conventional WOSR in such things as establishment, autumn vigour and spring grow away vigour. Senova would not advocate late drilling of WOSR. Local conditions should dictate suitablility not calendar.

Are chemical seed treatments worth the money?

All seed sold should have treatments to protect from pests and disease. Chemical companies have made considerable advances in seed treatments and as Senova do not give chemical advice you should refer to those companies for details or ask your agronomist. Fashion and Vision are offered treated with Modesto or Cruiser.

What is your seed rate for WOSR?

Senova's policy is to supply WOSR varieites in unit packs (4Ha), containing 4 million seeds, which equates to a sowing rate of 100 seeds/m2. Obviously the weights will vary depending on the seasonal seed size and lot number.

After WOSR harvest I noted a virtual field establishment of volunteers - Should I leave it as a crop established?

This is ill advised. WOSR has the capability of delivering an output of over £1000/ha. It is a folly to keep a successive crop on the same field and to put at risk that output opportunity.

I've been offered a variety not on the Recommended List. Is it worthwhile?

There are no bad varieties that have concluded National Listing or have been included on the RL. What Recommendation through HGCA does is to provide growers with greater assurance that the varieties on the RL have a better consistancy of performance over a wider range of sites and situations. There are few successful varieties sold off the HGCA RL. After all that's where part of your levy goes.

Senova Ltd, 49 North Road, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AS Tel: +44 (0)1223 890777, Fax: +44 (0)1223 890666 Email: info@senova.uk.com

You are viewing the text version of this site.

To view the full version please install the Adobe Flash Player and ensure your web browser has JavaScript enabled.

Need help? check the requirements page.