CHAP (Crop Health and Protection) needs your help to control this pest.

CHAP is one of Government’s four Agri- Tech centres, which does what it says on the tin – we promote crop health and protection. But we can’t do it alone. Our researchers are currently developing diagnostic techniques to identify pesticide-resistant Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB) populations in the field, along with novel methods of controlling this pest in the future. To achieve these goals, CHAP is looking for volunteers across the UK who grow members of the Brassica family (including Oilseed rape, cabbage and turnip, etc.) that are affected by CSFB, to work with us by sending in plant samples over this year’s growing season.

What is the Aim of this Study?

CHAP has set itself many goals to help improve crop fitness and overall productivity. Two of these goals involve developing novel methods of pest control, and deploying diagnostic techniques to the field that can inform the client of how tolerant or susceptible a pest population is to an active ingredient before a pesticide has been applied to the area. The benefit of these tests is that they can inform the farmers and their agronomists how a pest population will respond to a particular pesticide, enabling you to make informed choices on your management strategy for the growing season.

How to Apply?

If you are interested in helping CHAP with this exciting new opportunity to control this pest, we would like to hear from you. All you need to do is get in touch and we will tell you more.

CABI (Novel methods of control): Belinda Luke  b.luke@cabi.org 01491 829 034

Rothamsted (Diagnostic techniques): Kirsty McInnes kirsty.mcinnes@rothamsted.ac.uk 01582 938 176

What is Required from you, the Volunteer?

We will send you out a sampling protocol form in the post, which will explain what you need to do step by step. It’s very simple but it could make a huge difference to farmers like yourself.

We’re happy to answer any questions and, of course, you’ll be among the first to be given a report of the findings from our study.

Please help us to help you!