United Kingdom
September 23, 2014
Myzus persicae aphids trapped in all arable areas – winged aphids on the move from other crops – higher risk of oilseed rape yield loss from early TuYV infection
Aphids that are the primary transmitters of Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) to oilseed rape plants have been caught in traps in all key arable growing areas for the first time last week. Monitoring of pest populations at the Syngenta Innovation Centres across the UK highlighted that Myzus persicae aphids have taken wing and are on the move.
Further monitoring of brassica vegetable crops by Syngenta Field Technical Managers has identified a huge increase in these aphid populations in warmer weather last week, along with greater numbers of winged adults that now pose the greatest risk of virus spread at the most vulnerable early stages of oilseed rape growth.
Oilseed rape growers should take heed of the early warnings from aphid monitoring to visually inspect their own crops, and be ready to spray with PLENUM when infestations are found, advised Simon Roberts of Syngenta.
“It is important to get the application timing as precise as possible,” he said. “The aim is to prevent foci of virus developing in the crop from the feeding activity of infected aphids, which could then spread further as the season progresses.”
Research has shown the early-season infection of oilseed rape plants has the greatest impact on plant health, yield and oil production. PLENUM treatment can give up to two weeks control of aphids feeding on treated plants.
Simon highlighted that with pyrethroid resistance now so prevalent among Myzus persicae aphid populations, PLENUM is the only foliar insecticide option currently available with a full label approval to control all aphids and minimize the risk of virus spread.
“Aphids stop feeding almost immediately after ingesting PLENUM; although they may remain alive on the plant for up to four days, they pose no further risk of virus spread,” he added.
HGCA-funded monitoring work, carried out by Rothamsted Research, has shown up to 70% of Myzus persicae (Peach-potato aphids) could be carrying the virus - which is far higher than most aphid transmitted viruses.
Without treatment, the work has calculated annual yield losses from TuYV could be over 200,000 tonnes, costing the industry approximately £50m* a year, equating to nearly 10% of the total crop value.
Results of the Syngenta Innovation Site aphid traps are published within hours of identification on the website, along with latest results of the national aphid monitoring scheme.
Visit the FWi OSR Academy for full information and implications of TuYV - and to gain BASIS and NRoSO points.
*Recalculated to Sept 2014 crop value (£240/t); actual report £69m (£345/t)
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