Environment Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at on 2 September 2013.
Joan Walley
Chair, Environmental Audit Committee, Chair, Environmental Audit Committee
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research his Department has (a) carried out and (b) funded into non-chemical methods of pest control for oil seed rape; and if he will make any useful findings of such research available to farmers ahead of the two year suspension of some uses of neonicotinoid insecticides.
David Heath
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Non-chemical methods of pest control for oilseed rape are currently very limited. This is due in part to the historical availability of a range of insecticides, and therefore an underdeveloped research area in identifying non-chemical methods. Additionally, for those pests with the greatest potential for causing significant yield losses, high levels of control are required, particularly in those seasons favourable to population development. A range of cultural techniques and the awareness of the value of natural predators do already form a very important component in the overall integrated control programme.
DEFRA-funded Project PS2141 “integrated pest management of pollen beetles in oilseed rape: The way forward” is currently being undertaken by Rothamsted and the university of Reading and includes looking at non-chemical methods for controlling this pest for oilseed rape. The project will draw together all the research DEFRA has previously funded in this area. In terms of non-chemical methods, the project objectives cover: examining prospects for natural, semi-chemical-based alternatives and for biological control of pollen beetles and examining possibilities for improved habitat management (including conservation biocontrol) to reduce the risk of pollen beetle infestation. The outcomes of this research should be available early next year and the key messages will be picked up and disseminated to the growers by the groups mentioned as follows.
The Insecticide Resistance Action Group (IRAG) and HGCA (the cereals and oilseed Division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) are also good sources of advice for farmers. HGCA-funded research has formed the basis of advice on cultural methods, and natural predators (described above), and are included in their guide on pest management in cereals and oilseed rape. IRAG looks specifically at resistance issues in the UK and developing advice on resistance management. It has a wide-ranging membership across industry and regulators. Guidance is produced regularly, via the IRAG website, disseminating grower body outputs. An example is the collaborative approach and joint advice given in response to the development of pollen beetle resistance to pyrethroids in oilseed rape. HGCA research refined existing historical thresholds, and this is included in their information sheet (18) on monitoring and control of pollen beetle in oilseed rape. This includes IRAG advice, which is reviewed and updated each year, and also gives a risk assessment, and advice on the importance of natural predators. HGCA information sheet 12 mentions opportunities for enhancing natural control through agronomic practices such as trap cropping. A knowledge of the insect pest's biology and making use of the optimum sowing rates for the oilseed rape can also help the farmer.
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