Control of oilseed rape pests

Oilseed rape attracts a number of pest insects which can be hardly controlled in organic production. Especially the pollen beetle (Meligethes aeneus) can cause severe damage. In the current project different strategies to control the pollen beetle are evaluated: (1) the use of stone meal, as well as (2) the use of entomopathogenic fungi. In addition, (3) the monitoring of pollen beetles in early spring focuses on developing a better forecasting models. (4) In collaboration with organic farmers, the effects of different cultivation methods on pollen beetle infestation level are assessed.