Project funded by Agrii, Hutchinsons and United Oilseeds, with technical delivery by Niab.
View the full analysis and heat map for the UK here.
Oilseed rape growers can approach the 2025 drilling season with renewed confidence following encouraging results from a nationwide Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB) monitoring project, led by Niab and funded by United Oilseeds, Agrii, and Hutchinsons.
The project, which assessed CSFB stem larvae levels in spring 2025, shows a significant decline in pest pressure compared to previous seasons. This follows autumn water trap monitoring, also conducted by Niab and partners, which had already indicated a lower number of CSFB adults present across the UK.
Over 170 plant samples were collected from a wide geographical spread, and initial results reveal that the a large proportion of plants contained much lower numbers of larvae than seen in recent years, and a stark improvement on figures seen in 2022. While isolated farms showed slightly higher levels, no widespread hotspots were identified, and overall the results provide strong reassurance for growers planning OSR crops later this year.
"These findings are very encouraging," said Niab spokesperson Colin Peters. "They reflect the lower adult counts seen last autumn and suggest that growers should feel positive about prospects for OSR establishment in 2025. While attention to detail in crop management remains crucial, this data gives a welcome boost to confidence."
The project also reinforces the value of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, highlighting the importance of field positioning, immediate post-harvest cultivation of the previous years rape stubble, good seedbed preparation, flexible drilling timing, and the use of companion crops to maximise OSR success.
Niab, alongside United Oilseeds, Agrii, and Hutchinsons, will continue to monitor the sampled sites through the 2025–26 season, providing growers with further valuable insights to support strong, sustainable OSR crops.
Growers are encouraged to plan ahead now, taking advantage of the current low CSFB pressure and applying best agronomic practice to secure the best possible results.
View the full analysis and heat map for the UK here.