Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Hamad SAEED
This field study evaluated the efficacy of Yokosan and Converta biostimulants in mitigating cabbage stem flea beetle damage on winter oilseed rape (cv. Acacia). Treatments included control (no biostimulants) and varying doses of Yokosan (0.5, 1, and 2 L/ha) and Converta (1, 2, and 4 L/ha), applied at cotyledon, 6-leaf, and 8-leaf stages. The randomised complete block design included four replicates, with biostimulants applied at 300 L/ha per spray. Both biostimulants reduced beetle damage significantly compared to controls, which showed severe damage (60–70% of new growth affected). Yokosan was particularly effective at 1 L/ha, while Converta at 4 L/ha minimised leaf infestation (6.95 leaves/plant) and stem infestation (8%). Yokosan performed best at 0.5 L/ha for reducing stem larvae, though higher rates offered no further improvement. Conversely, Converta displayed dose-dependent efficacy for reducing beetle activity and infestation. Results suggest Yokosan and Converta can enhance plant health and resistance, with Converta at 4 L/ha emerging as the optimal treatment. These findings emphasise the importance of dose optimisation for integrated pest management strategies.
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