Managing insect pests in forage brassicas

Uncontrolled insect pests can reduce forage brassica dry matter by as much as 3 tonnes per hectare. A range of chewing and sucking pests can attack crops at different stages, so choosing the right insecticide for the pest and crop stage is an important part of crop management.

Pests that may affect forage brassicas include springtails, Nysius, Cutworm, Diamondback moth, Cabbage white butterfly, Soybean looper, European leaf miner and Aphids.

Insecticide options for forage brassicas

The Syngenta forage brassica insecticide range includes options for managing a broad range of pests, from crop establishment through to grazing. Product choice should be guided by the pest present and the crop stage.

KARATE ZEON^® can be used early in the season to control cutworm in establishing crops.

AMPLIGO^® is an option for use once the crop is established, controlling a range of insect pests. Early-season use can help limit impact on beneficial insects while their populations are establishing. It can also be applied by aerial application. Read the AMPLIGO^® Technote here.

MINECTO^® Star contains two active ingredients and controls a range of insect pests. It can fit within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme, helping retain beneficial insects that contribute to ongoing pest control. Treated pests stop feeding almost immediately, with extended residual control helping protect crop quality and yield. Read the MINECTO^® Star Technote here.

PIRIMOR^® provides specific control of Aphids and is compatible with IPM. It can be used alone or with MINECTO^® Star when extra Aphid control is needed.

Choose products for the pest and crop stage

Together with other suitable products where necessary (during crop establishment), these insecticides give growers options to manage pest pressure throughout the crop. 

For more information, read the latest Forage Brassica Technote here or contact your local Syngenta Territory Sales Manager.