Protect oilseed rape yields with Pod-Stik

Applying a pod-sealant to oilseed rape crops ahead of harvest can reduce losses of typically 100-300kg/ha although losses of up to 500kg/ha are often found where rain and wind delay harvest and impact pod integrity.

All podded crops from peas and beans to oilseed rape are vulnerable to weather-induced pod-shatter in the weeks leading up to harvest; and as a result of header losses at the time of combining, but the use of a pod-sealant, such as Pod-Stik, can dramatically reduce any impact.

Independent trials over successive years have indicated that crops receiving a pod-sealant yield up to 0.5t/ha more than untreated crops, depending on the product used.

However, in recent years a number of breeders have claimed to have developed varieties with natural pod-shatter resistance that reduces the rate of losses. This has led to some growers wrongly believing that they are immune from the effects of pod-shatter.

“Some growers have misinterpreted the claims being made about stronger pod integrity and will be suffering greater losses than had they applied a Pod-Stik to a standard variety,” says Kim Christo, commercial director of De Sangosse.

To determine the performance of varieties claiming improved pod-shatter resistance, De Sangosse commissioned a series of independent trials with NDSM Limited in 2014.

Using the varieties DK Excellium and DK Extrovert as examples of varieties with claimed “low pod shatter”, NDSM compared their performance with and without Pod-Stik, and when harvested at the correct time and a delayed timing, to reflect the effect of challenging weather conditions.

“The results were compelling,” says Kim Christo. “DK Excellium crops treated with glyphosate + Pod-Stik at 1 l/ha yielded 110 kg/ha more on average than untreated crops across all plots and after allowing for tramline losses. Similarly, DK Extrovert crops treated with the same regime yielded 250kg/ha more than untreated.”

The results merely reiterate the value of applying a pod-sealant to podded crops, says Kim Christo. Even those with claimed improved pod strength.

“We are not disputing the claim by some breeders that their varieties have superior pod-shatter resistance, but we are keen to communicate to growers that crops would still benefit from an application of Pod-Stik,” he says.

The effect of Pod-Stik on varieties with higher shatter tolerance

Source: NDSM, 2014
Site: Sherburn, North Yorks.