Hemmy's Field Focus - Oilseed rape micronutrients

To withstand a cold winter individual plants need to reach the 6–8 true-leaf stage, with a well-developed root (diameter of >5 mm) and a shoot length of <20 mm.

In the autumn, the number of leaf axils also determines the potential for flowering branches.

Flower initiation usually takes place from early November (when sown in August) to mid-December (when sown in September). The onset of flower initiation can have a strong influence on flower, pod, and seed number. It is thus important to monitor the oilseeds through this period and prevent limitations to its development.

A leaf analysis is a good route to checking the soil nutrient supply especially for Boron.

Trace elements (in particular boron)

% Soils below the ideal guideline level for samples for OSR (Lancrop testing)

Boron

Boron plays a key role in cell wall biosynthesis, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, cell division, and cell elongation, being involved in the development of root and shoot growing points:

When a lot of cell division is happening, every cell produced has a demand for boron – alongside calcium – to ensure the integrity of its membrane.
Good supply of boron is critical for the plant at times of rapid growth during both the autumn and spring
Boron is the only nutrient which, when in short supply accelerates physiological processes instead of reducing them - which can result in abnormal cell growth
Plants grown on low Boron soils are more severely affected by low temperatures (<10°C)
Cessation of root elongation is one of the first and most rapid responses to boron deficiency due to its effect on the accumulation of natural plant growth regulatory compounds
Boron plays a significant role in the plants natural defence mechanism against invasion and attack from fungal pathogens

Application Guidance:

Boron is commonly applied through foliar sprays. Trace element applications in autumn are most effective while the crop is actively growing, typically from the 3-leaf stage.

Autumn applications of biostimulants can provide additional benefits, supporting healthy crop growth and resilience and should also be considered.

TerraSorb Foliar Extra

0.5-1.0 l/ha at any stage with micronutrient (Complexing effect / improved uptake of trace element)
2-8 leaf stage 1.5-2.0 l/ha in autumn to improve rooting.
▪ significant yield improvement when used in a programme with spring application.

Cal-Fite Extra ± Luxor (or Luxical)– improve growth of roots and shoots

0.5 l/ha + Luxor 1.0 l/ha from 3 leaf stage

or Luxical 2.0 l/ha

+ maximise delivery phosphate.

Calfite extra 0.75 l/ha GS 16

maximise roots

optimise nutrient assimilation

maximise GAI

increased overwinter cold tolerance

crop better ability to withstand clubroot