Growers should be more focused on canopy management in rape this spring to maximise their yields, said ADAS research scientist Dr Sarah Clarke. “There are some large canopies out there at the moment, with this winter’s snow protected them against both frost and pigeon damage.” Growers should look to target an optimum GAI (green area index) of 3.5 by mid- flowering so the crop can intercept the maximum amount of light, she said. “Any higher than this and you get too much reflection from the crop canopy – preventing light from penetrating further down.”

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