Neonicotinoids

A new study claiming sugar beet growers are responsible for harming nature has been dismissed by union

NFU crops board chairman Matt Culley is a fourth-generation farmer from Hampshire working in partnership with his parents and brother.

Chemistry is fast disappearing from farming’s toolbox, but researchers and farmers in Scotland are working together to trial alternative solutions to protect the high health status of the seed potato industry.

Milder weather in January and February has put beet crops at a greater risk of contracting virus yellows disease this season.

Wynnstay has established its first regional demonstration site in the East Midlands to help arable growers select more robust varieties based on their location.

Today the independent Rothamsted virus yellows model triggered the need to use the neonicotinoid seed coating on sugar beet for this season.

Oilseed rape crops have been set back in some areas with leaf loss and bleaching induced by heavy frosts, combined with both cabbage stem flea beetle and rape stem weevil larvae damage.

With beet moth damage also causing yellowing in sugar beet crops, British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) lead scientist warns the disease threat of virus yellows remains.

Farmers who want to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming methods could face lower short-term margins, but the long-term benefits could outweigh the losses, according to the results of a trial in Scotland.

Sugar beet growers could have access to the neonicotinoid seed treatment Cruiser SB (thiamethoxam) to protect the 2023 crop from virus yellows disease.