Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) and its management in oilseed rape
A lack of effective chemical options in oilseed rape has accelerated the rise of cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB). This beetle is now pest enemy number one in this crop, with its management resting on a rapidly developing, variable and complex set of alternative solutions.
Discover the pests and natural enemies of UK field crops
Why cabbage stem flea beetle is an issue
Without effective chemical protection, CSFB has become more problematic. Critically, the pest can destroy a plant’s growing point and cause crop failure. Learn about the beetle’s life cycle and the factors that influence crop risk.
CSFB: Basic beetle biology and damage
Cabbage stem flea beetle IPM
Our research has identified the key components of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for CSFB and used a traffic-light code to indicate the current reliability for control. Effective management relies on a combination of these components.
Integrated pest management (IPM) of cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB)
Cabbage stem flea beetle treatment thresholds
CSFB has developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides to various degrees, so it is essential to target – even avoid – sprays as much as possible.
Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) treatment thresholds in oilseed rape
Cabbage stem flea beetle management
This Agronomy Week video focuses on larval populations
More CSFB videos...
Use of IPM to work with enemy – Steve Ellis, ADAS
Pest biology research to understand the enemy – Tom Pope, Harper Adams University
CSFB: Living with the enemy
An article from Crop Production Magazine
Cabbage stem flea beetle research and counts
Cabbage stem flea beetle counts
As part of our 'reducing the impact of cabbage stem flea beetle' project, researchers are using water traps and sticky traps to count beetles during autumn 2021.
As this data is available, we are publishing the results in the tool below.