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36 species pollinate oilseed rape

In-crop monitoring of insect numbers in oilseed rape crops for the past two years has revealed the extent of bee and pollinating insect activity, reported Syngenta UK Operation Pollinator Project Manager, Belinda Bailey. "The independent entomologists inspecting the crops were surprised by the sheer number of insects and the diversity of species working in commercial oilseed rape crops. This included honey bees, but also a large range of bumblebees, solitary bees and other pollinating insect species, in total up to 36 different species."

This year's trials and monitoring aims to give a better understanding of which bee species are the most effective pollinators. Although honey bees are the most prevalent in oilseed rape, bumble bees and especially the solitary bees are believed to very efficient at pollinating the crop.

"The work we do with the annual wildflower mix will give us the opportunity to look at which flowers are needed to attract the right insects. We are seeking to develop a mix that will flower early, to provide the early food needed to attract bumble bee and solitary bee activity before the oilseed rape comes into flower.  It must then continue flowering after the oilseed rape to supply the pollen and nectar needed for the bees for the rest of the summer.

"Growers also need to think about providing suitable habitats for these bees to live over winter for example a grass margin or some bare ground for the solitary bees. We are looking at early flowering perennial mixes that will be suitable to sit within ELS /HLS schemes," added Mrs Bailey.

French results show benefits

Recent Operation Pollinator trials in France have shown that increasing pollinating insects can result in enhancements in oilseed rape yield and oil content. The UK project is also seeking to evaluate crop benefits in a commercial situation, as well as increasing wildlife numbers and diversity on the farm. Furthermore, Mrs Bailey believes the margins could play a multifunctional role, with the chance to reduce the risk of soil erosion and protect water courses, as well as providing a colourful and attractive environment.

Results of the UK wide trials is intended to help develop the most appropriate, cost effective and easy to manage wildflower seed mixture. The initial mix will include cornflower, phacelia, crimson clover and fodder radish. It can be established at the same time as the oilseed rape crop, into the same seedbed and using the same techniques – only the wildflower seed must be left on the surface, and not buried like rapeseed, she advised. The mixture would be taken out at the end of the season, with a new area planted alongside the next year’s crop.

Cotswold farmer and cold-pressed oilseed rape oil producer, Hamish Campbell, believes the environmental benefits of Operation Pollinator is a positive selling point with consumers, who are sometimes critical of the swathes of yellow with the flowering crop. Producing the farm's R-Oil brand and a premium own-brand for a multiple retailer from the Syngenta Essent-Oil variety, NK Molten, he also welcomes any initiative that could increase the oil content of seed.

"Customers readily engage with the intentions of Operation Pollinator and what it can achieve for bumblebees and other wildlife. Recent television coverage has highlighted the issues with declining pollinator numbers, but has equally given an insight into what can be achieved by planting wildflowers. Many are doing it at home, but we can achieve it on a massive scale with far greater results," he said.

Mr Campbell has already established dedicated areas of long-term Operation Pollinator wildflower and grass field margins, as part of his move to HLS environmental management of the farm at Lower Swell near Stow-on-the-Wold. He will also be involved with the annual wildflower mix trials alongside his oilseed rape crop destined for the cold pressed market.