Integrated pest management strategies for cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) in oilseed rape

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Ortega-Ramos, P., Coston, D., Seimandi-Corda, G., Mauchline, A. L. and Cook, S. M. 2021. Integrated pest management strategies for cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) in oilseed rape. Global Change Biology. Bioenergy. 14 (3), pp. 267-286. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12918

AuthorsOrtega-Ramos, P., Coston, D., Seimandi-Corda, G., Mauchline, A. L. and Cook, S. M.
Abstract

Oilseed rape (OSR) is the second largest source of vegetable oil globally and the most important biofuel feedstock in the European Union (EU) but production of this important crop is threatened by a small insect; Psylliodes chrysocepaha – the cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB). The EU ban on use of neonicotinoid seed treatments and resistance of CSFB to pyrethroid insecticides have left farmers with limited control options resulting in drastic reductions in production. Integrated pest management (IPM) may offer a solution. We review the lifecycle of CSFB and the current options available, or in the research pipeline, for the eight IPM principles of the EU Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (Directive-2009/128/EC). A full IPM strategy for CSFB barely exists. Although there are a range of preventative measures these require scientific validation; critically, resistant/tolerant OSR cultivars are not yet available. Existing monitoring methods are time consuming and there are no commercial models to enable decision support based on predictions migration timing or population size. Available thresholds are not based on physiological tolerances of the plant making it hard to adapt them to changing market prices for the crop and costs of control. Non-synthetic alternatives tested and registered for use against CSFB are lacking, making resistance management impossible. CSFB control is therefore dependent upon conservation biocontrol. Natural enemies of CSFB are present, but quantification of their effects is needed and habitat management strategies to exploit their potential. Although some EU countries have local initiatives to reduce insecticide use and encourage use of ‘greener’ alternatives, there is no formal process for ranking these and little information available to help farmers make choices. We summarise the main knowledge gaps and future research needed to improve measures for CSFB control and to facilitate development of a full IPM strategy for this pest -and sustainable oilseeds production.

KeywordsIntegrated pest control; Control threshold; Pesticides; Biocontrol; Sustainable agriculture; Brassica napus
Year of Publication2021
JournalGlobal Change Biology. Bioenergy
Journal citation14 (3), pp. 267-286
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12918
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Funder project or codeBBSRC Strategic Programme in Smart Crop Protection
Publisher's version
Accepted author manuscript
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online16 Jan 2022
Publication process dates
Accepted16 Dec 2021
PublisherWiley
ISSN1757-1707

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