Oilseed rape farmers should switch to a top-performing variety to combat the effect of crop disease, it has been claimed.
Research by the HGCA, the oilseed unit of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, and UK firm Farmacy has revealed different types of oilseed rape react differently to verticillium wilt.
Peter Gladders of environmental consultancy firm ADAS expressed his belief that farmers should pick their variety carefully.
He said: "At the moment, it appears they should opt for one at the top end of the recommended list. As yet, we haven't tested all the varieties on the list but most of the higher yielding ones appear to be less susceptible than Castille.
"Even if verticillium causes a small yield loss, these top performers should still deliver well."
Varieties which were shown to have a high resistance to verticillium wilt include Catana, Compass and Es Alienor.
Furthermore, DK Cabernet, Dimension and Flash also withstood the disease once infected.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the farming industry includes: elevators – bucket elevators – valves
