Possibilities for integrated control of winter oilseed rape diseases in Latvia

Abstract

The sowing area of winter oilseed rape in Latvia has been rapidly increasing during the last 10 years, therefore oilseed rape diseases have become an important risk factor. The present paper reports 4‐year data (2008–2011) on different fungicide application systems (including forecasting systems) tested in field trials in Central Latvia. The development of stem canker (Leptosphaeria spp.) and white stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was evaluated depending on fungicide application schemes. Stem canker was found to be a widespread disease, and coexistence of both L. maculans and L. biglobosa was established in Latvia. There was no epidemic of white stem rot observed during the investigation period (incidence of disease was only 0.7–4.5%). Application of fungicides significantly (P < 0.05) decreased severity of stem canker. However, substantial differences between different treatments were not detected. Yield of oilseed rape fluctuated at about 4.5 tonnes ha−1, and use of fungicides did not increase the yield. It was found that DaCom Plant Plus program had overestimated the risk of white stem rot in years with low disease pressure, whereas the Swedish model of forecasting, based on the risk‐point system, had produced acceptable forecasts.